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English language Quote by Alexandra Bracken

“There’s this word,” she continued, turning to study her fingers gripping the wheel. “Nothing like it exists in the English language. It’s Portuguese. Saudade. Do you know that one?” I shook my head. I didn’t know half of the words in my own language. “It’s more…there’s no perfect definition. It’s…” quote by Alexandra Bracken
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““There’s this word,” she continued, turning to study her fingers gripping the wheel. “Nothing like it exists in the English language. It’s Portuguese. Saudade. Do you know that one?” I shook my head. I didn’t know half of the words in my own language. “It’s more…there’s no perfect definition. It’s more of an expression of feeling—of terrible sadness. It’s the feeling you get when you realize something you once lost is lost forever, and you can never get it back again.””

Alexandra Bracken

About This Quote

Saudade describes a deep, bittersweet longing for something lost forever, a feeling beyond simple sadness.

In simple terms: Saudade is a profound, nostalgic yearning.

Key Takeaway

Accept and honor the feeling.

Themes

nostalgia loss longing

Mood

poignant thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • grief counseling
  • creative writing
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

cultural linguistics emotional depth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this longing teach you?
  • Can you transform it into creative energy?
A Different Perspective

The concept may romanticize pain, preventing healing.

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