English is often described as a “borrowing” language—and with good reason. It’s a linguistic melting pot that has adopted thousands of words from dozens of other languages over centuries of contact, colonization, trade, migration, and cultural exchange.
In this article, we’ll explore the most interesting and widely used English words borrowed from other languages, their original meanings, and how they’ve evolved in modern English.
Why English Borrows So Many Words
English, unlike more regulated languages (like French), is highly open to incorporating foreign terms. Here’s why:
- Historical invasions (e.g., Norman French, Vikings, Romans)
- Global exploration and colonization
- Trade and cultural exchange
- Technology and pop culture globalization
The result? Over 60% of English vocabulary has roots in Latin, French, and Germanic languages, among many others.
Words from French
French has had a profound influence on English, especially after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
| English Word | French Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| cuisine | cuisine | cooking or kitchen |
| ballet | ballet | dance performance |
| rendezvous | rendez-vous | meeting or appointment |
| fiancé | fiancé(e) | person engaged to be married |
| déjà vu | déjà vu | the feeling of having seen something before |
Fun Fact: Nearly 30% of English words are estimated to be of French origin.
Words from German
Some serious, technical, or expressive words come from German.
| English Word | German Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| angst | Angst | deep anxiety or dread |
| kindergarten | Kindergarten | “children’s garden” (early schooling) |
| wanderlust | Wanderlust | strong desire to travel |
| blitz | Blitzkrieg | fast, overwhelming attack (or sports metaphor) |
| doppelgänger | Doppelgänger | ghostly double or lookalike |
These words tend to retain their emotional depth or exact form in English.
Words from Italian
Italian has contributed richly in areas of music, food, and art.
| English Word | Italian Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| piano | piano | musical instrument |
| pizza | pizza | flatbread with toppings |
| opera | opera | dramatic vocal performance |
| graffiti | graffiti | wall writing |
| solo | solo | performed alone |
Italian’s influence remains strong in culinary and artistic vocabulary.
Words from Spanish
English has borrowed many everyday words from Spanish, especially in the Americas.
| English Word | Spanish Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| canyon | cañón | deep valley or gorge |
| patio | patio | outdoor courtyard |
| rodeo | rodeo | cattle roundup or show |
| tornado | tornado | spinning storm |
| mosquito | mosquito | “little fly” |
Spanish continues to enrich English vocabulary, particularly in the U.S.
Words from Japanese
In the modern era, pop culture and technology have brought Japanese words into English.
| English Word | Japanese Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| sushi | sushi | vinegared rice with fish or vegetables |
| tsunami | tsunami | large sea wave caused by underwater disturbance |
| karaoke | karaoke | sing-along with instrumental music |
| emoji | emoji | pictograph (e = picture, moji = character) |
| samurai | samurai | Japanese warrior class |
📺 Related YouTube Video: Borrowed Words in English
🎬 10 English Words BORROWED From Other Languages (French, Japanese, Chinese etc.)
Learn the surprising global origins of the words we use every day.
Words from Arabic
Arabic has influenced English in math, science, and trade.
| English Word | Arabic Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| algebra | al-jabr | mathematical method |
| alcohol | al-kuḥl | distilled substance |
| zero | ṣifr | numeral for nothing |
| saffron | za‘farān | spice from crocus flower |
| lemon | laymūn | citrus fruit |
Words from Indigenous Languages
Especially in the Americas and Australia, native words have entered English.
| English Word | Language | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| barbecue | Taíno | outdoor cooking |
| canoe | Arawakan | small boat |
| hammock | Taíno | hanging bed |
| kangaroo | Guugu Yimithirr (Australia) | native marsupial |
| toboggan | Algonquian | sled |
Are These Words Still Considered “Foreign”?
Not really. Most borrowed words become completely naturalized over time, meaning:
- Their spelling or pronunciation may change (e.g., fiancé is now common)
- They appear in dictionaries
- They’re used by native speakers without translation
They are now part of what we think of as “English vocabulary.”
Final Thoughts
The English language is a global mosaic of borrowed words. Each term carries with it a bit of history, culture, and perspective from another place and time. Whether you’re eating sushi, admiring graffiti, or sending an emoji, you’re speaking a little bit of another language—without even realizing it.
So next time someone says English is a “pure” language, you can smile and say, “That’s a bit of codswallop.”
Pingback: Untranslatable English Words Explained - LingoCurious