Kaitiakitanga celebrated as world's most beautiful word by global language experts

On Friday 17 July 2026, the Māori word kaitiakitanga was officially named the world's most beautiful word by the language-learning platform Babbel. The kupu, which describes the deep-seated responsibility to guard and care for the natural world, triumphed over a shortlist of 223 words from 75 different languages. This selection followed an extensive analysis of digital language communities on platforms like Reddit and TikTok, with a final decision made by an international panel of cultural experts, writers, and linguists. According to Babbel, kaitiakitanga was chosen for its distinctive sound and profound layers of meaning. The term refers to guardianship and protection based on the Māori world view, emphasizing the care of the environment for both contemporary and future generations. Babbel linguist Maren Pauli noted that the word is particularly powerful because it expresses values that often have no direct equivalent in other languages, bringing together sound, cultural context, and timeliness. Babbel language expert Esteban Touma Portilla stated the concept of kaitiakitanga resonates globally as communities increasingly face the impacts of climate change. He remarked that the word serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to care for both the environment and one another. The jury's evaluation was based on four specific criteria: sound, meaning, rarity, and cultural relevance. Kaitiakitanga placed ahead of other significant international terms such as the Zulu philosophy 'Ubuntu' and the Ukrainian word 'Iriy'. The panel highlighted that words from Indigenous or minority languages offer unique perspectives on the world, especially when they address themes that define the modern era, such as sustainable stewardship.