In this blog post, you will explore English words borrowed from other languages and learn their meanings and origins. English has adopted many words from French, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, and other languages. These borrowed words are now part of everyday English in conversations, books, media, and classrooms. When you understand their meanings and background, you improve your vocabulary, recognize word patterns, and speak with greater confidence. Learning these international words also strengthens your reading, writing, and listening skills because you begin to see how languages connect and influence each other.
List of English Words Borrowed From Other Languages
Here is a list of the most used English words borrowed from other languages, along with their meanings. In this section, you will learn about 10 major languages that have influenced English vocabulary. These borrowed words are commonly used in everyday English.
| Language | Original Word | English Word | Original Word | English Word |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French | café | cafe | ballet | ballet |
| Spanish | taco | taco | plaza | plaza |
| German | Kindergarten | kindergarten | Angst | angst |
| Italian | pizza | pizza | piano | piano |
| Arabic | al-jabr | algebra | sukkar | sugar |
| Japanese | sushi | sushi | tsunami | tsunami |
| Hindi/Urdu | bangla | bungalow | khaki | khaki |
| Greek | demokratia | democracy | drama | drama |
| Dutch | koekje | cookie | baas | boss |
| Chinese | chá | tea | dòufu | tofu |
French Words Used in English
French has strongly influenced English, especially in food, fashion, and culture.
| English Word | Original French Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Café | café | A small place to drink coffee |
| Ballet | ballet | A classical dance form |
| Cuisine | cuisine | A style of cooking |
| Restaurant | restaurant | A place where meals are served |
| Bouquet | bouquet | A bunch of flowers |
| Chauffeur | chauffeur | A professional driver |
| Elite | élite | A select group of people |
| Genre | genre | A type or category |
| Machine | machine | A mechanical device |
| Police | police | Law enforcement organization |
Spanish Words Used in English
Many Spanish words entered English through travel, food, and culture.
| English Word | Original Spanish Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Taco | taco | A folded tortilla with filling |
| Fiesta | fiesta | A celebration or party |
| Plaza | plaza | A public square |
| Siesta | siesta | A short afternoon rest |
| Patio | patio | An outdoor courtyard |
| Rodeo | rodeo | A cowboy competition |
| Canyon | cañón | A deep valley |
| Guitar | guitarra | A string musical instrument |
| Tomato | tomate | A red edible fruit |
| Mosquito | mosquito | A small flying insect |
German Words Used in English
German has influenced English in science, food, and philosophy.
| English Word | Original German Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Kindergarten | A preschool for young children |
| Hamburger | Hamburger | A meat sandwich |
| Rucksack | Rucksack | A backpack |
| Blitz | Blitz | A sudden attack |
| Wanderlust | Wanderlust | A desire to travel |
| Doppelganger | Doppelgänger | A person who looks like another |
| Angst | Angst | Deep anxiety |
| Delicatessen | Delikatessen | A shop selling fine foods |
| Sauerkraut | Sauerkraut | Fermented cabbage |
| Pretzel | Brezel | A twisted baked bread |
Italian Words Used in English
Italian words are common in music, art, and food.
| English Word | Original Italian Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza | pizza | A baked dish with toppings |
| Pasta | pasta | Italian noodles |
| Opera | opera | A musical drama |
| Solo | solo | A performance by one person |
| Piano | piano | A musical instrument |
| Violin | violino | A string instrument |
| Balcony | balcone | A platform on a building |
| Volcano | vulcano | A mountain that erupts |
| Studio | studio | A workroom |
| Casino | casino | A gambling house |
Arabic Words Used in English
Arabic has contributed many scientific and trade-related words.
| English Word | Original Arabic Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | al-jabr | A branch of mathematics |
| Alcohol | al-kuhl | A chemical liquid |
| Sugar | sukkar | A sweet substance |
| Coffee | qahwa | A hot drink |
| Cotton | qutn | A soft fiber |
| Safari | safar | A journey |
| Magazine | makhzan | A publication |
| Zero | sifr | The number 0 |
| Lemon | laymun | A sour fruit |
| Syrup | sharab | A sweet liquid |
Japanese Words Used in English
Japanese culture has introduced many modern terms into English.
| English Word | Original Japanese Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi | sushi | A Japanese rice dish |
| Karate | karate | A martial art |
| Kimono | kimono | A traditional robe |
| Ninja | ninja | A historical warrior |
| Samurai | samurai | A Japanese soldier |
| Karaoke | karaoke | Singing with music |
| Tsunami | tsunami | A large sea wave |
| Emoji | emoji | A digital picture symbol |
| Futon | futon | A folding mattress |
| Anime | anime | Japanese animation |
Hindi or Urdu Words Used in English
Many South Asian words entered English during historical contact.
| English Word | Original Hindi/Urdu Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | chāmpo | Hair-washing liquid |
| Bungalow | bangla | A small house |
| Jungle | jangala | A dense forest |
| Pyjamas | pāy-jāma | Loose night clothes |
| Khaki | khākī | A light brown color |
| Bazaar | bāzār | A market |
| Guru | guru | A teacher |
| Loot | lūṭ | To steal |
| Avatar | avatār | A digital image or form |
| Veranda | varanda | A covered porch |
Greek Words Used in English
Greek is important in science, medicine, and philosophy.
| English Word | Original Greek Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | bios + logos | Study of life |
| Physics | physis | Study of nature |
| Democracy | demokratia | Rule by the people |
| Drama | drama | A play |
| Idea | idea | A thought |
| Music | mousike | Art of sound |
| School | skhole | Place of learning |
| Telephone | tele + phone | Long-distance sound device |
| Theater | theatron | Place for watching |
| History | historia | Study of past events |
Dutch Words Used in English
Trade and sea travel brought Dutch words into English.
| English Word | Original Dutch Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Yacht | jacht | A sailing boat |
| Cookie | koekje | A small sweet biscuit |
| Boss | baas | A person in charge |
| Cruise | kruisen | To travel by ship |
| Dock | dok | Ship parking area |
| Landscape | landschap | Natural scenery |
| Sketch | schets | A quick drawing |
| Freight | vracht | Goods transported |
| Pump | pomp | A machine for moving liquid |
| Wagon | wagen | A vehicle |
Chinese Words Used in English
Chinese culture has also contributed many common words.
| English Word | Original Chinese Word | Meaning in English |
|---|---|---|
| Tea | chá | A hot drink |
| Ketchup | kê-tsiap | A tomato sauce |
| Kung Fu | gōngfu | A martial art |
| Tofu | dòufu | Soybean food |
| Typhoon | tai fung | A strong storm |
| Yin | yin | Dark principle |
| Yang | yang | Light principle |
| Ginseng | renshen | A medicinal root |
| Kowtow | koutou | To bow deeply |
| Mahjong | májiàng | A tile-based game |
English Words from Other Languages PDF
100 English Words Borrowed from Other Languages
Final Thoughts
These 100 English words borrowed from other languages show how English has grown through global contact. From food and science to art and daily life, borrowed words enrich English vocabulary and reflect cultural exchange. Understanding their origins helps learners expand vocabulary and recognize connections between languages.
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