Charm by Any Other Name

Yiddish has elbowed its way into English with "chutzpah," while the French bubble over with "joie de vivre," "elan," "savoir faire" and other high-spirited bon mots. Indeed, many languages have their own X-factored terms that describe a unique constellation of desirable traits, if not success pure and simple. Such words reveal as much about the culture that prizes them as they do about the individual who possesses them.

• Akamai (Hawaiian): Smart, on the ball, savvy. Richard Branson is "akamai."
• Brioso (Spanish): Fiery, spirited and charming.
• Sabrosa (Spanish): Literally "flavorful" or "zesty," this refers to someone who is lively, complicated and may have a naughty streak.
• Dushevnost (Russian): Soulful and deeply emotive, but also warm, open, gregarious and passionate.
• Gemuetlich (German): Pleasant, cozy, amiable—a person, place or experience can be gemuetlich.
• Hyggelig (Danish): Similar to "gemuetlich," this adjective captures the easygoing Danes' desire for a relaxed atmosphere.
• Mi ren (Chinese): Fascinating, enchanting, charming, tempting. Barack Obama is very "mi ren."
• Okuyukashii (Japanese): Elegant and modest, usually in regard to women.
• Shibui (Japanese): Cool, understated. Usually used in reference to an older man. He's "cool" in the sense that his taste is classy; restrained in speech and movement.
• Sprezzatura (Italian): Deliberate nonchalance. The art of making something difficult appear effortless and beautiful.
• Unesidima ne sithozela (Xhosa—South African tribal language): Someone with an aura, who is well respected and held in high esteem.