{"id":3346,"date":"2026-08-05T12:28:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/?p=3346"},"modified":"2026-08-05T12:53:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T12:53:07","slug":"what-is-it-called-in-english-how-to-describe-things-you-dont-know-the-name-for","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/what-is-it-called-in-english-how-to-describe-things-you-dont-know-the-name-for\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is It Called in English? How to Describe Things You Don&#8217;t Know the Name For"},"content":{"rendered":"<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-740\" data-path-to-node=\"6\"><span data-path-to-node=\"6,0\">Even fluent English speakers occasionally forget or come across an object, action, or concept they do not know the exact word for<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,2\">. Whether you are trying to identify a specific kitchen utensil, a specialized tool, or a subtle emotion, getting stuck mid-sentence can interrupt your conversation<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"6,4\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-741\" data-path-to-node=\"7\"><span data-path-to-node=\"7,0\">In linguistics, the technique of describing a word when you do not know its exact name is called <b data-path-to-node=\"7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"97\">circumlocution<\/b><\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"7,2\">. Mastering circumlocution allows you to communicate smoothly without stopping or switching back to your native language<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"7,4\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-742\" data-path-to-node=\"8\"><span data-path-to-node=\"8,0\">This guide provides practical sentence formulas, categorization frameworks, and real-world examples to help you describe anything in English confidently<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"8,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote data-path-to-node=\"9\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"9,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"9,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Note: This guide expands upon the language strategies discussed in the <a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/question\/what-is-it-called-in-english-1692039674\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiz6oD0hYeWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ1gw\">English Forward &#8216;What Is It Called in English?&#8217; Q&amp;A Forum<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-743\" data-path-to-node=\"9,1\">\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"11\">1. The 5 Core Frameworks for Describing Unknown Words<\/h2>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-744\" data-path-to-node=\"12\"><span data-path-to-node=\"12,0\">When you don&#8217;t know the exact English noun, break down the object using these 5 descriptive categories<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"12,2\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"13\">Framework 1: Function &amp; Use (What does it do?)<\/h3>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-745\" data-path-to-node=\"14\"><span data-path-to-node=\"14,0\">Describe the primary purpose of the object or action<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"14,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"15\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Formula:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a thing\/tool that you use to [verb]&#8230;&#8221;<\/i> or <i data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"58\">&#8220;It&#8217;s used for [verb + -ing]&#8230;&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Example:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;What do you call the thing you use to peel potatoes?&#8221;<\/i> <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"64\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> <b data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"76\">A potato peeler<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"16\">Framework 2: Material &amp; Composition (What is it made of?)<\/h3>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-746\" data-path-to-node=\"17\"><span data-path-to-node=\"17,0\">Describe the physical materials or texture<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"17,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"18\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Formula:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It&#8217;s made of [wood \/ metal \/ plastic \/ fabric]&#8230;&#8221;<\/i> or <i data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"64\">&#8220;It has a [rough \/ smooth \/ soft] texture.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Example:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a small plastic gadget used to plug into the wall.&#8221;<\/i> <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"67\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> <b data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"79\">An adapter \/ wall charger<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"19\">Framework 3: Physical Appearance &amp; Shape (What does it look like?)<\/h3>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-747\" data-path-to-node=\"20\"><span data-path-to-node=\"20,0\">Describe the color, dimensions, or relative size compared to familiar items<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"20,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"21\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Formula:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It looks like a [familiar object], but smaller\/larger&#8230;&#8221;<\/i> or <i data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"71\">&#8220;It&#8217;s [round \/ square \/ cylindrical] in shape.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Example:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It looks like a small metal ring with keys on it.&#8221;<\/i> <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"61\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> <b data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"73\">A key ring \/ keychain<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"22\">Framework 4: Location &amp; Context (Where do you find it?)<\/h3>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-748\" data-path-to-node=\"23\"><span data-path-to-node=\"23,0\">Specify the environment where the item is typically located<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"23,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"24\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"24,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"24,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Formula:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"24,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;You usually see it in a [kitchen \/ office \/ car \/ hospital]&#8230;&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"24,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"24,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Example:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"24,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It&#8217;s the long desk in a hotel lobby where you check in.&#8221;<\/i> <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"67\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> <b data-path-to-node=\"24,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"79\">The reception desk \/ front desk<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"25\">Framework 5: Category &amp; Synonyms (What type of thing is it?)<\/h3>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-749\" data-path-to-node=\"26\"><span data-path-to-node=\"26,0\">Start broad with the general category, then narrow down<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"26,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"27\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Formula:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"27,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a type of [furniture \/ footwear \/ document] that&#8230;&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"27,1,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"27,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Example:<\/b> <i data-path-to-node=\"27,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"9\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a type of formal document you write to request time off.&#8221;<\/i> <span class=\"math-inline\" data-math=\"\\rightarrow\" data-index-in-node=\"73\">$\\rightarrow$<\/span> <b data-path-to-node=\"27,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"85\">A leave application letter<\/b><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-750\" data-path-to-node=\"27,1,1\">\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"29\">2. Useful Conversation Starters &amp; Sentence Starters<\/h2>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-751\" data-path-to-node=\"30\"><span data-path-to-node=\"30,0\">Here are quick phrases you can use in natural conversation when asking native speakers for a word<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"30,2\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"31\">\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31,0,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"31,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;What&#8217;s the word for&#8230;?&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-752\" data-path-to-node=\"31,0,1\">\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"31,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;How do you say [concept\/description] in English?&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-753\" data-path-to-node=\"31,1,1\">\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31,2,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"31,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;It&#8217;s on the tip of my tongue\u2014what do you call that thing that&#8230;?&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-754\" data-path-to-node=\"31,2,1\">\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"31,3,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"31,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;What do you call the person who&#8230;?&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-755\" data-path-to-node=\"31,3,1\">\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"33\">3. Real-World Circumlocution Examples<\/h2>\n<div class=\"horizontal-scroll-wrapper\">\n<table data-path-to-node=\"34\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>What You Want to Identify<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>How to Describe It Using Circumlocution<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>The Actual English Word<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"34,1,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Punctuation<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;The little mark you put above a letter to show possession.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-756\" data-path-to-node=\"34,1,1,1\">\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"34,1,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,1,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Apostrophe<\/b><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-757\" data-path-to-node=\"34,1,2,1\">\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"34,2,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Kitchenware<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"34,2,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"34,2,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;The round metal pan with holes used to drain pasta.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/td>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"34,2,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,2,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Colander \/ Strainer<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"34,3,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Relationships<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"34,3,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"34,3,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;What do you call your mother&#8217;s cousin in English?&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-758\" data-path-to-node=\"34,3,1,1\">\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"34,3,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,3,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">First cousin once removed<\/b><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-759\" data-path-to-node=\"34,3,2,1\">\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span data-path-to-node=\"34,4,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Workplace<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"34,4,1,0\"><i data-path-to-node=\"34,4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">&#8220;The paper from your doctor explaining why you missed work.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-760\" data-path-to-node=\"34,4,1,1\">\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"34,4,2,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"34,4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Medical certificate \/ Sick note<\/b><\/p>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-761\" data-path-to-node=\"34,4,2,1\">\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-path-to-node=\"36\">Related Cluster Guides &amp; Next Steps<\/h2>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-762\" data-path-to-node=\"37\"><span data-path-to-node=\"37,0\">Building a strong descriptive vocabulary makes navigating English simple and intuitive<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"37,2\">. Explore our related guides:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul data-path-to-node=\"38\">\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-763\" data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Family Relationships:<\/b> Learn all the exact English kinship terms in <a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/english-family-t\u2026lationship-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiz6oD0hYeWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ6ww\">Complete Guide to English Family Tree Terms<\/a> <\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"38,0,0,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-764\" data-path-to-node=\"38,1,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"38,1,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"38,1,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Paternal Relatives:<\/b> Find out how to describe your father&#8217;s older and younger brothers in <a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/fathers-elder-yo\u2026-are-they-called\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiz6oD0hYeWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ7Qw\">Father&#8217;s Elder &amp; Younger Brother Terms<\/a> <\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"38,1,0,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-765\" data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Spelling Mastery:<\/b> Learn why &#8220;amateur&#8221; is frequently misspelled in <a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/amateur-or-amatu\u2026rong-heres-which\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiz6oD0hYeWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ7ww\">Amateur vs. Amature Spelling Guide<\/a> <\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"38,2,0,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-766\" data-path-to-node=\"38,3,0\"><span data-path-to-node=\"38,3,0,0\"><b data-path-to-node=\"38,3,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\">Master Guide:<\/b> Return to our main hub on <a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/essential-englis\u2026al-writing-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiz6oD0hYeWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ8Qw\">Essential English Vocabulary, Relationship Terms &amp; Personal Writing<\/a> <\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"38,3,0,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote data-path-to-node=\"39\">\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"39,0\">Stuck Describing a Specific Word?<\/h3>\n<p id=\"p-rc_bc346e20cc2f1847-767\" data-path-to-node=\"39,1\"><span data-path-to-node=\"39,1,0\">If you have an object or idea you can&#8217;t name, describe it on the original <a class=\"ng-star-inserted\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/question\/what-is-it-called-in-english-1692039674\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-hveid=\"0\" data-ved=\"0CAAQ_4QMahgKEwiz6oD0hYeWAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQ8ww\">English Forward &#8216;What Is It Called in English?&#8217; Forum Thread<\/a> to get direct answers from native English teachers and language experts<\/span><span data-path-to-node=\"39,1,2\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Even fluent English speakers occasionally forget or come across an object, action, or concept they do not know the exact word for. Whether you are &#8230; <a title=\"What Is It Called in English? How to Describe Things You Don&#8217;t Know the Name For\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/what-is-it-called-in-english-how-to-describe-things-you-dont-know-the-name-for\/\" aria-label=\"More on What Is It Called in English? How to Describe Things You Don&#8217;t Know the Name For\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2105,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_generate-full-width-content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[286,288,292,300,305],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-english","category-english-forward","category-grammar","category-skills","category-writing","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Is It Called in English? How to Describe Things You Don&#039;t Know the Name For - English Forward<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Don&#039;t know the English word for something? 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