In today's world, English has become a universal language, with most business transactions and scientific research being carried out in English. Not only is it spoken as a second language by millions around the world, but many of its words have also found their way into foreign languages. However, you may be surprised to learn that there are many English words of Spanish origin. Discover some examples of English words borrowed from Spanish.
Animal Names That Originate From Spanish
Many animal names we use on a daily basis are English words with Spanish origins.
English Term | Spanish Term | Meaning/Origin of Spanish Term |
alligator | lagarto | literally, the lizard |
anchovy | anchova | salt-cured fish |
armadillo | armadillo | diminutive of armado (armored) |
cockroach | cucaracha | from Latin |
coyote | coyote | from the Nahuatl language |
iguana | iguana | from the Arawakan languages |
mosquito | mosquito | diminutive form of mosco (fly) |
puma | puma | from the Quechua language |
Food and Drink Loanwords
Many around the world enjoy cuisines and beverages from Spanish-speaking nations, and they also use the Spanish names for these foods and drinks.
English Term | Spanish Term | Meaning/Origin of Spanish Term |
barbecue | barbacoa | a set up to cook food over a fire |
burrito | burrito | diminutive of burro (donkey) |
chocolate | chocolate | from the Nahuatl language |
chorizo | chorizo | type of sausage |
churro | churro | an onomatopoeia of the sound of frying dough |
daiquiri | daiquiri | a sweet cocktail; from Daiquirí, a neighborhood in Cuba |
jerky | charqui | meat that is salted sun or air dried |
oregano | orégano | seasoning; derived from Latin and Greek |
piña colada | piña colada | a sweet cocktail; literally, strained pineapple |
potato | batata | likely from the Taino language |
salsa | salsa | sauce |
tortilla | tortilla | diminutive form of torta (cake) |
Names of Places and Events Derived From Spanish
Whether you are taking a siesta outside on your patio or standing in line at a cafeteria, you are unconsciously using Spanish loanwords for places and events.
| English Term | Spanish Term | Meaning/Origin of Spanish Term |
bodega | bodega | wine cellar |
cafeteria | cafetería | a place where coffee and other drinks are served |
fiesta | fiesta | party |
hacienda | hacienda | an estate in the countryside |
patio | patio | a courtyard adjoining a house |
plaza | plaza | open square or similar space in a town |
ranch | rancho | small farm; group of people eating together or spending time together |
rodeo | rodeo | from rodear (go round) |
siesta | siesta | an afternoon nap |
silo | silo | a dry place where grains or seeds are stored |
Nature Terms That Come From Spanish
Several terms to describe the weather, landscapes and other natural phenomena also derive from Spanish.
English Term | Spanish Term | Meaning/Origin of Spanish Term |
canyon | cañón | from caño (pipe or tube) |
hurricane | huracán | from the Taino language |
mesa | mesa | table |
niño | niño | boy or child |
pampa | pampa | derived from Quechua term for “flat” |
savanna | sabana | a plain, especially one with no trees |
tornado | tornado | from tronada (thunderstorm) and tronar (to turn) |
Spanish Words for People and Professions
Spanish also gave us some titles and descriptions you’ve likely come across in history class or daily life.
English Term | Spanish Term | Meaning/Origin of Spanish Term |
aficionado | aficionado | an amateur or a fan; from afición (love or hobby) |
conquistador | conquistador | Spanish conquerors of Mexico and Peru |
federales | federales | plural form of “federal” |
loco | loco | crazy |
matador | matador | literally, one who kills |
Importing Words: Spanish Language Resources
Borrowing words is just one of the many ways in which languages can expand their vocabulary. The words above are just a few examples, but look closer and you'll find that English has actually borrowed quite a few words from Spanish over the years, as well as many other languages. In some cases, these "loanwords" can undergo some transformations that help them assimilate better into the new language.
Spanish is the official language of 20 countries and is spoken by over 500 million people across the globe. People around the world study Spanish, use it in personal, business or academic settings and enjoy the culture, foods and language of Spanish-speaking countries. You can hear the words above in their native Spanish or download Spanish worksheets to aid you in your language learning journey.