There are also vocabulary items that do have direct translations into other languages, but none with the same precise connotation.
For example, 斯文 from Chinese most directly translates as 'refined' or 'cultured' in English.
In Chinese, the term has a strong positive connotation and can be used an almost any context to compliment any person; it carries the implication that the person is of good character and education.
In American English, 'refined' feels mostly neutral (shading into a pejorative with 'effete') and while 'cultured' has a positive connotation, it doesn't directly speak to the person's character.
What we see is that cultural norms and values become embedded in the vocabulary of languages. Even a directly, literal translation will not capture the same implied attitude. That's why translations of books and the like tend to avoid close word-for-word readings.
>In American English, 'refined' feels mostly neutral (shading into a pejorative with 'effete') and while 'cultured' has a positive connotation, it doesn't directly speak to the person's character. //
Your point still stands I think but it sounds like you're describing "classy" in en-gb.
It's often used in en-gb in a sarcastic insult way to denigrate [in the sense of disparage!!] someone's behaviour "yeah, real classy mate" but that only works because its use conveys the opposite meaning without the sarcasm.
For example, 斯文 from Chinese most directly translates as 'refined' or 'cultured' in English.
In Chinese, the term has a strong positive connotation and can be used an almost any context to compliment any person; it carries the implication that the person is of good character and education.
In American English, 'refined' feels mostly neutral (shading into a pejorative with 'effete') and while 'cultured' has a positive connotation, it doesn't directly speak to the person's character.
What we see is that cultural norms and values become embedded in the vocabulary of languages. Even a directly, literal translation will not capture the same implied attitude. That's why translations of books and the like tend to avoid close word-for-word readings.