Saudade

I have learned from experience that there are some things that just do not translate into other languages or transcend other cultures too well. Sure, you can literally translate the word, but the feelings and emotions behind it become lost. A bit like the "suitcase emotions" I've written about before, saudade is such a word. I tend to love all things melancholy - tragic romances, ships lost at sea, tattered books, gray and rainy days - and words are no exception. Saudade. It's not only pretty in how it sounds, but the meaning is just so haunting. Tenho saudades tuas. I don't just miss you, I long for you from the very core of my being. There's a hole where you should be. Saudade. It's that kind of day.

P.S. I forgot to mention that it's Portuguese. (Thanks, Theresa!)