Maori Word 'Kaitiakitanga' Crowned World's Most Beautiful

An international jury has crowned "Kaitiakitanga," a word from the Maori language, as the most beautiful word globally. The selection process involved over 223 words from more than 75 languages, drawing from online discussions on Reddit and TikTok, as well as expert recommendations.

"Kaitiakitanga" encapsulates a profound spiritual responsibility to safeguard and nurture nature for the benefit of future generations. The jury considered not only the word's sound but also its meaning, linguistic uniqueness, and cultural resonance. Its multifaceted appeal, encompassing sound, meaning, structure, and impact, set it apart.

The Turkish word "yakamoz," described as the silvery shimmer of moonlight on water, made it to the 15-word shortlist. It was recognized for its evocative sound and its ability to convey a complete natural scene with a single word.

Other notable words on the list included "Mamihlapinatapai" (Yaghan) for a meaningful look exchanged between two people who want to initiate something but hesitate, "Hiraeth" (Welsh) for a deep longing for a lost or never-known home, and "Ikigai" (Japanese) for one's reason for being that gets them out of bed each morning.