Global Competition Picks the Most Beautiful Word
The word "kaitiakitanga" from the Maori language has been declared the most beautiful word on Earth by an international jury in a contest organized by the language-learning platform Babbel. It conveys the idea of responsible guardianship over nature, land, water, and all living things. The competition drew attention to the richness of global languages by inviting participants to submit words with special cultural significance and uniqueness.
A total of 223 words from more than 75 languages made it to the finals. Among the notable entries were:
- Saudade (Portuguese)
- Ikigai (Japanese)
- Hiraeth (Welsh)
- Ubuntu (Zulu)
- Luftmensch (Yiddish)
The judging panel evaluated each word based on criteria such as euphony, cultural value, uniqueness of meaning, and relevance to today’s world.
Contest Goals and Broader Impact
Organizers stated that the initiative aimed to showcase the wealth of the world’s languages and the distinctive concepts they express. The results were released on July 30, 2026. By recognizing kaitiakitanga as the most beautiful word, the contest underscores the growing importance of environmental responsibility in modern society.
International recognition of kaitiakitanga could help spread the ideas of sustainable development and ecological awareness.
The competition further highlights the value of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, which in turn can encourage the exchange of knowledge and ideas among different communities.