Φιλότιμο- The Greek word that can't be translated.

Φιλότιμο[filotimo], is a Greek noun (philo verb translated as “to like” or noun translating as “friend” and timo verb translating as “to honor”) that is almost impossible to translate sufficiently as it describes a complex array of virtues. ''Love of honor'' its official translation.

Philotimo comes from the Ancient Greek word philotimia (φιλοτιμία), of which the first attested written reference dates to the dawn of the Greek classical period (6th and 7th Centuries BC) in the writings of lyric poet Pindar. For Pindar and other early writers, the word meant love of honour or distinction, or ambition, but often in a negative way. In mythology, for example, Achilles' philotimo was wounded when King Agamemnon took away Queen Briseis, his prize for bravery on the battlefield.

In its modern use, Philotimo is considered to be the highest of all Greek virtues, the standards for family and social living. Filotimo represents a way of life for Greeks it includes ideas and virtues such as honor, justice, courage, dignity, pride, self sacrifice, respect, freedom, gratitude and hospitality. Learning to live with filotimo begins at an early age when children learn to show respect and love for their parents and grandparents. Growing up, one begins to feel pride for their country and ancestry, helps friends with their problems and acts out of generosity without expecting anything in return. Philotimo to a Greek is essentially a way of life.

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