English words from other languages: A fun guide to borrowed vocabulary
English is a global language, but did you know that many of its words actually come from other languages? Over centuries, English has borrowed thousands of words from French, Latin, Spanish, German, Japanese, Arabic, and more. Learning these words is not only interesting but also helps expand your vocabulary quickly, especially if you already know a similar word in your native language.
In this lesson, we’ll explore some of the most common English words from other languages, show you how they’re used in real life, and give you tips to remember them long term.
1. French Words in English
English has borrowed heavily from French, especially in food, fashion, and government.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Déjà vu | The feeling that you've experienced something before | I had a strange sense of déjà vu while walking down that street. |
Café | A small restaurant or coffee shop | Let’s meet at the café after work. |
Fiancé / Fiancée | Someone engaged to be married | Her fiancé is from Canada. |
2. Spanish Words in English
Spanish has influenced English, especially in the U.S. and in topics like food, music, and culture.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Fiesta | A party or celebration | They threw a big fiesta for her birthday. |
Patio | An outdoor space at the back of a house | We had dinner on the patio last night. |
Siesta | A short nap taken in the afternoon | After lunch, he took a quick siesta. |
3. Japanese Words in English
Some Japanese words are now commonly used in English, especially in pop culture, technology, and food.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Karaoke | Singing along to music without vocals | We went to a karaoke bar last weekend. |
Emoji | Small digital icons or images | She sent me a heart emoji. |
Tsunami | A large sea wave caused by an underwater earthquake | The town was destroyed by a tsunami. |
4. German Words in English
German words are often used in science, philosophy, and psychology.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Kindergarten | A school class for young children | My daughter just started kindergarten. |
Doppelgänger | A look-alike of a person | He has a doppelgänger who lives in New York! |
Wanderlust | A strong desire to travel | Her wanderlust took her all over the world. |
5. Italian Words in English
Italian words are common in music, art, and food.
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Piano | A musical instrument | She plays the piano beautifully. |
Solo | A performance by one person | He did a solo in the choir. |
Spaghetti | A type of pasta | I love eating spaghetti with tomato sauce. |
📌 Final tips to remember these words long-term
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Make connections: Relate the word to something in your life or culture.
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Use them in sentences: Practice writing or saying full sentences.
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Create categories: Group words by language or theme (e.g., food, feelings).
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Visual learning: Use images, colors, and mind maps.
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Teach someone else: Explaining helps you remember better.
🎯 Why learn borrowed words?
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They expand your vocabulary quickly.
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You may already know them if they exist in your own language.
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They help you understand world culture and context better.
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They’re fun and often memorable!
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