Loanwords in Spanish: How Other Languages Have Influenced Spanish Vocabulary
Discover how loanwords in Spanish from Arabic, Latin, English, and indigenous languages have shaped Spanish vocabulary. Learn common examples and their origins.
Introduction: A Surprise at the Market
Imagine walking through a bustling market in Madrid. As you pass by vendors shouting their offers, you hear words like “chocolate,” “tomate,” and “taco”—words that may sound familiar even if you're not fluent in Spanish. Surprisingly, these words are not originally Spanish. They are loanwords—terms borrowed from other languages that have become a natural part of everyday Spanish vocabulary.
Loanwords are an essential part of any language, reflecting its history, culture, and interactions with other societies. Spanish, spoken by over 500 million people worldwide, has absorbed vocabulary from languages like Arabic, Latin, Greek, French, Italian, English, and indigenous languages from the Americas. Understanding loanwords not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives insight into Spain’s historical evolution and cultural exchanges. This article explores the most significant influences on Spanish vocabulary, with examples and practical tips to help you recognize and use loanwords naturally.
Map illustrating linguistic influences that have shaped Spanish vocabulary.
What Are Loanwords?
Loanwords are words adopted from other languages without translation. In Spanish, they are called “préstamos lingüísticos”. These words often retain their original spelling and pronunciation, although some may adapt to Spanish phonetics and grammar.
Examples:
Chocolate (from Nahuatl xocolatl)
Alcohol (from Arabic al-kuḥl)
Hotel (from French hôtel)
Sándwich (from English sandwich)
Loanwords make Spanish more dynamic and globally connected. Let’s explore their origins and how they became part of everyday Spanish.
Arabic Influence (8th to 15th Century)
The Arabic influence on Spanish is profound, especially in vocabulary related to science, agriculture, architecture, and daily life. This stems from the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula for nearly 800 years.
Common Arabic loanwords in Spanish:
Aceite (oil) from az-zayt
Azúcar (sugar) from as-sukkar
Almohada (pillow) from al-mikhaddah
Ojalá (hopefully) from in shā’ Allāh (if God wills)
Arabic loanwords often begin with “al-”, reflecting the Arabic definite article. Recognizing this prefix helps identify Arabic origins.
Latin and Greek Influence (Ancient Rome and Beyond)
As a Romance language, Spanish is rooted in Latin. Many Latin loanwords entered the language directly or through Old Spanish. Greek also contributed terms, especially in medicine, science, and philosophy.
Common Latin and Greek loanwords:
Escuela (school) from Latin schola
Cultura (culture) from Latin cultura
Teléfono (telephone) from Greek tēle (far) + phōnē (voice)
Biblioteca (library) from Greek bibliothēkē
Latin forms the core of Spanish grammar and basic vocabulary, while Greek roots are prevalent in academic and scientific contexts.
French Influence (18th to 19th Century)
French culture and language influenced Spanish during the Bourbon dynasty and the Enlightenment. Many loanwords are related to fashion, art, cuisine, and government.
Common French loanwords:
Restaurante (restaurant) from restaurant
Hotel (hotel) from hôtel
Champán (champagne) from champagne
Jardín (garden) from jardin
French loanwords often retain their original spelling but adapt to Spanish pronunciation.
Italian Influence (Renaissance and Beyond)
Italian loanwords entered Spanish through art, music, and cuisine, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Common Italian loanwords:
Piano (piano) from pianoforte
Soneto (sonnet) from sonetto
Espaguetis (spaghetti) from spaghetti
Pizza (pizza) from pizza
These loanwords highlight cultural exchanges between Spain and Italy, especially in the arts.
Indigenous Languages of the Americas (16th Century Onward)
Spanish colonization of the Americas introduced words from indigenous languages such as Nahuatl, Quechua, Taíno, and Guaraní. These terms often describe plants, animals, and foods unknown in Europe.
Common indigenous loanwords:
Chocolate (from Nahuatl xocolatl)
Tomate (from Nahuatl tomatl)
Cacao (from Nahuatl cacahuatl)
Canoa (canoe) from Taíno kanowa
These loanwords highlight the cultural and linguistic exchanges between Spain and the indigenous peoples of the Americas.
English Influence (20th Century to Present)
English has become the most recent and widespread influence on Spanish, especially in technology, business, entertainment, and pop culture.
Common English loanwords:
Sándwich (sandwich)
Computadora (computer)
Marketing (marketing)
Email (email)
While some English loanwords are adapted to Spanish phonetics, others are used directly, especially in informal contexts.
How to Recognize and Use Loanwords Naturally
Look for Familiar Patterns: Words beginning with “al-” often come from Arabic, while scientific terms often have Greek or Latin roots.
Be Aware of Pronunciation: Pronounce loanwords using Spanish phonetics unless they are commonly used in their original form.
Understand Cultural Context: Using indigenous loanwords can enrich conversations about food, nature, and history.
Adapt Spelling When Necessary: Some loanwords are adapted to fit Spanish orthography, such as “computadora” instead of “computer.”
Practice Exercises
Match the Loanword to Its Origin:
Aceite — _______
Chocolate — _______
Hotel — _______
Sándwich — _______
Fill in the Blank with a Loanword:
Me gusta comer _______ con queso.
Anoche nos quedamos en un _______ muy bonito.
El _______ se usa para enviar mensajes electrónicos.
En el museo, vi un hermoso cuadro tocado al _______.
Conclusion
Loanwords in Spanish reflect centuries of cultural and linguistic exchange, making the language richer and more diverse. From Arabic and Latin to English and indigenous languages, these borrowed terms are part of everyday conversations, connecting Spanish speakers to a global heritage. By recognizing and using loanwords naturally, you can expand your vocabulary and gain a deeper appreciation of Spanish culture.
For more practical language tips and engaging lessons, visit our blog at Polyglottist Language Academy and enhance your Spanish learning journey today!