詫び寂び (Wabi-sabi)
Japanese noun that does not translate into English
Wabi-sabi is "humble simplicity" in the dictionary. Wabi-sabi is a way of life and a way of art. The sparse and simple Japanese aesthetic of rush matted rooms and white-papered screen doors is based on wabi-sabi. The art of ikebana (flower arranging) is wabi-sabi. The rigor of haiku and simple poetic forms is wabi-sabi. Tea ceremony is wabi-sabi.
Kristen McQuillin
http://www.mediatinker.com/
和 (Wa)
Japanese noun that does not translate into English
The dictionary definition of wa is "harmony" but it is more than simply peace and balance. Wa is embraced as the most fundamental Japanese principle. It is the cornerstone for the extensive consensus gathering that takes place in nearly every Japanese activity. Wa is also used as a prefix to describe Japanese things: wafuu is Japanese-style, washoku is Japanese food, wafuku are traditional clothes like kimono, wagyuu is Japanese beef, wa-ei jiten is a Japanese-English dictionary.
Kristen McQuillin
http://www.mediatinker.com/
It might also be noted that "wa" suggests conformity: e.g., if all cars but one in a company parking lot are parked head in, then the one that is parked head out is said to be disturbing the "wa"; which also brings to mind the Japanese saying "The nail that stands out is hammered down."
甘える (Amaeru)
Japanese verb that does not translate to English.
The dictionary definition is "to presume on the love or kindness of someone." There's an entire book about amaeru, The Anatomy of Dependence by Takeo Doi, which was published in Japan in 1966. According to the author, amaeru is the framework on which family relationships are draped. You can always count on your closest relations and friends to give in to any selfish and childish demands - babying you, indulging you.
Kristen McQuillin
http://www.mediatinker.com/