English words from other languages

 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.

Global words in English. Image by Englishconv.com

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.

🧠 Memory Tip: Many French words sound elegant and are often used in lifestyle or cultural topics. Try to create flashcards with a picture for each word and use it in a sentence from your own life.

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.

🧠 Memory Tip: Think of the vibrant and colorful culture of Spanish-speaking countries to help remember these words. Associate each word with a visual or personal memory.

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.

🧠 Memory Tip: Try grouping Japanese words by category (e.g., entertainment, nature) to help organize and remember them.

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.

🧠 Memory Tip: German words often describe abstract ideas or emotions. Try to link the word to a personal emotion or experience.

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.

🧠 Memory Tip: Use your senses! When you eat spaghetti or listen to a solo, repeat the word out loud to link it with the real-world experience.

📌 Final tips to remember these words long-term

1. Make connections: Relate the word to something in your life or culture.

2. Use them in sentences: Practice writing or saying full sentences.

3. Create categories: Group words by language or theme (e.g., food, feelings).

4. Visual learning: Use images, colors, and mind maps.

5. Teach someone else: Explaining helps you remember better.

🎯 Why learn borrowed words?

• They expand your vocabulary quickly.

• You may already know them if they exist in your own language.

• They help you understand world culture and context better.

• They’re fun and often memorable!