only a word

My favourite word in Kiswahili is pole (pronounced something like poh-leh). There is no direct translation to English or Finnish. It was translated somewhere as “I am sorry for your misfortune”. But it’s more than that – to me it’s an expression of sympathy and empathy. You can say it when someone sneezes or drops something, if they’re tired after a long trip or if someone close to them has passed away.

I wish there was a word like pole in every language! It's only a word, but it can mean so much and it isn't pretentious. It’s difficult to think of what to say instead of “Pole!” to someone who doesn't know what it means. Too often I end up saying nothing.

“Lean on me when you’re not strong

And I’ll be you friend, I’ll help you carry on

For it won’t be long

‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on”

                             (Lean on me, Bill Withers)