LOANWORDS IN SPANISH

SPEAK SPANISH AROUND THE WORLD

Spanish, while a Romance language with roots in Latin, has absorbed thousands of loanwords from many languages over the centuries due to trade, migration, conquest, colonization, and cultural exchange.

From Arabic during the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula came everyday terms like aceite oil and azúcar sugar, while French influence added words such as garaje garage and menú menu. Contacts with Indigenous languages of the Americas brought food, nature, and cultural terms like tomate tomato and chocolate chocolate, while Italian enriched music, art, and culture with words such as piano piano and soneto sonnet. In more recent times, English has contributed a wealth of modern vocabulary, especially in technology, business, and pop culture, like internet and blog.

Learners may already understand a large part of Spanish vocabulary through internationalisms, borrowings, and cognates. This makes the language far less daunting than it may first appear, inviting learners from all linguistic traditions to make Spanish their own—one familiar word at a time.

Boost your Spanish skills thanks to words you already know!

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Afrikaans Loanwords in Spanish

Throughout the 20th century, Spanish absorbed a small but recognizable group of Afrikaans-related loanwords, especially through political history, journalism, geography, and cultural contact with South Africa. Unlike English, French, Arabic, or Indigenous American languages, Afrikaans did not contribute a large layer of everyday vocabulary to Spanish. Its influence is much more limited and mostly connected to the history of South Africa, the Boer communities, racial segregation, local foods, landscapes, and social institutions. Some words, such as apartheid, became internationally known and are now widely understood in Spanish. Others remain foreign or semi-foreign terms, used mainly in historical, academic, culinary, or travel contexts.

apartheid racial segregation system
afrikáans Afrikaans language
afrikáner Afrikaner person
bóer Boer person
boers Boers
boerewors South African farmer sausage
biltong dried cured meat
droëwors dried sausage
braai South African barbecue
trek migration, journey
gran trek Great Trek
veld open grassland
alto veld high plateau grassland
bajo veld low grassland region
kopje small hill
koppie small rocky hill
laager defensive wagon circle
kommando Boer military unit
comando bóer Boer commando
kraal enclosure or village
springbok South African antelope
orix oryx antelope
rooibos red bush tea
karoo semi-desert region
rand South African currency
volkstaat Afrikaner homeland concept
voortrekker Boer pioneer
trekker migrant settler
burguer Boer citizen-soldier
burgher citizen, settler
dominee Protestant minister
baas boss, master
outspan resting place during travel
inspán hitching of animals
spoor track, animal trail
meerkat suricate
aardvark anteater-like mammal
witblits South African homemade spirit
potjiekos stew cooked in an iron pot
sosatie skewered meat dish
melktert milk tart
koeksister sweet fried pastry
rusk dry biscuit
boerboel South African mastiff
safari bóer Boer-style expedition
república bóer Boer republic
guerra bóer Boer War
nacionalismo afrikáner Afrikaner nationalism
cultura afrikáner Afrikaner culture
literatura afrikáans Afrikaans literature

Albanian Loanwords in Spanish

Spanish has a small number of Albanian loanwords mainly connected to Albania, Kosovo, Balkan history, traditional law, ethnic identity, religion, food, music, and national institutions. Some words, such as lek, are used in Spanish because they name specifically Albanian realities. Others, such as besa and kanun, often keep a foreign or semi foreign character and appear mostly when Spanish speakers discuss Albanian culture in a precise way.

lek Albanian currency
leks Albanian currency units
besa pledge of honor
kanun Albanian customary law
shqip Albanian language
shqiptar Albanian person
albanés Albanian language or person
albanesa Albanian woman or adjective
albaneses Albanians
kosovar Kosovar person
kosovares Kosovars
guego Gheg Albanian dialect
tosco Tosk Albanian dialect
ghego Gheg dialect
tosko Tosk dialect
arbëresh Italo Albanian community
arberesco Arbëresh language or culture
illirio Illyrian
dardano Dardanian
epirota Epirote
Skanderbeg Albanian national hero
Gjergj Kastrioti George Castriot
kulla traditional Albanian tower house
fis clan or tribe
bajraktar standard bearer or clan leader
besnik faithful person
raki fruit brandy
byrek savory Balkan pastry
burek savory filled pastry
tavë kosi baked lamb and yogurt dish
qofte meatballs
flia layered Albanian dish
kaçkavall yellow cheese
ajvar pepper relish
baklava albanesa Albanian baklava
lahuta traditional one string instrument
çifteli two string instrument
iso polifonía Albanian polyphonic singing
valle albanesa Albanian dance
xhubleta traditional Albanian dress
plis traditional white cap
qeleshe traditional Albanian cap
fustanela traditional pleated garment
bektashí Bektashi religious order member
bektashismo Bektashi religious tradition
dóner albanés Albanian style döner
mafia albanesa Albanian organized crime group
diáspora albanesa Albanian diaspora
nacionalismo albanés Albanian nationalism
Gran Albania Greater Albania

Amharic Loanwords in Spanish

Unlike Arabic, French, English, or Indigenous American languages, Amharic does not contribute a large layer of everyday vocabulary to Spanish. Instead, its influence is mostly visible in words connected with Ethiopia, imperial titles, Orthodox Christianity, traditional foods, local music, national identity, and the Ethiopian diaspora. Some terms, such as negus, became known in Spanish through historical references to Ethiopian rulers. Others, such as injera and teff, are used mainly in culinary or cultural contexts and still keep a strongly Ethiopian character.

amárico Amharic language
amhárico Amharic language
amárica Amharic feminine adjective
amhárica Amharic feminine adjective
amhara Amhara person
amharas Amhara people
Abisinia Abyssinia
abisinio Abyssinian
abisinia Abyssinian woman or adjective
Etiopía Ethiopia
etíope Ethiopian
negus Ethiopian emperor
negusa nagast king of kings
ras Ethiopian noble title
ras tafari Ras Tafari
rastafari Rastafari movement
Haile Selassie Ethiopian emperor
Menelik Ethiopian imperial name
Zewditu Ethiopian imperial name
Derg Ethiopian military junta
kebra nagast Glory of the Kings
fidäl Ethiopian writing system
geez Geʽez language or script
gueez Geʽez language or script
abugida syllabic writing system
injera Ethiopian flatbread
inyera Ethiopian flatbread
teff Ethiopian cereal grain
berbere Ethiopian spice mixture
mitmita hot Ethiopian spice blend
niter kibbeh spiced clarified butter
wat Ethiopian stew
wot Ethiopian stew
doro wat chicken stew
shiro chickpea stew
tibs fried meat dish
kitfo minced raw beef dish
buna coffee
tej Ethiopian honey wine
tella traditional Ethiopian beer
azmari traditional singer
eskista Ethiopian shoulder dance
masenqo one string fiddle
krar Ethiopian lyre
washint Ethiopian flute
meskel Ethiopian religious festival
timkat Ethiopian Epiphany
lalibela Ethiopian holy city
aksum ancient Ethiopian kingdom
axum ancient Ethiopian kingdom
addis abeba Addis Ababa
adís abeba Addis Ababa
Habesha Ethiopian or Eritrean cultural identity
habesha Ethiopian or Eritrean person
Eritrea Eritrea
eritreos Eritreans
tigriña Tigrinya language
oromo Oromo person or language

Arabic Loanwords in Spanish

Throughout the Middle Ages, Spanish absorbed a very large number of Arabic loanwords, especially during the centuries of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula. These words entered Spanish through agriculture, architecture, science, mathematics, administration, trade, food, clothing, music, and everyday life. Many Arabic terms became so deeply naturalized that they now feel completely Spanish, especially words beginning with al, from the Arabic definite article al. Arabic influence is one of the most important layers in the history of Spanish vocabulary.

aceite oil
aceituna olive
azúcar sugar
arroz rice
alcohol alcohol
almohada pillow
alfombra carpet
alcalde mayor
almacén warehouse
aduana customs office
alquiler rent
barrio neighborhood
tarea task
hasta until
ojalá hopefully
cifra digit, figure
cero zero
álgebra algebra
algoritmo algorithm
alquimia alchemy
jarabe syrup
azafrán saffron
berenjena eggplant
zanahoria carrot
limón lemon
naranja orange
sandía watermelon
alcachofa artichoke
albahaca basil
azucena lily
alhelí wallflower
jazmín jasmine
algodón cotton
albornoz bathrobe
taza cup
jarra jug
azulejo tile
alcázar fortress, palace
albañil bricklayer
alcoba bedroom
zaguán entrance hall
atalaya watchtower
aljibe cistern
acequia irrigation channel
noria waterwheel
alberca water reservoir, pool
azotea flat rooftop
tambor drum
laúd lute
guitarra guitar
ajedrez chess
jaque check in chess
asesino assassin
rehén hostage
hazaña feat, exploit
fulano so and so
mezquino mean, petty
algarabía confused noise
rincón corner
arroba at sign, old weight unit

Armenian Loanwords in Spanish

Most Armenian related terms in Spanish appear in historical, religious, political, culinary, and cultural contexts, especially when discussing Armenia, the Armenian diaspora, the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Caucasus, traditional foods, national identity, and historical memory. Some words remain clearly foreign in Spanish, while others are used as specialized terms in journalism, history, travel writing, or academic texts.

armenio Armenian language or person
armenia Armenian woman or adjective
armenios Armenians
Armenia Armenia
Ereván Yerevan
Hayastán Armenia
hay Armenian person
hayeren Armenian language
grabar classical Armenian
ashjarabar modern Armenian
alfabeto armenio Armenian alphabet
khorovats Armenian barbecue
lavash thin flatbread
dolma stuffed grape leaves
tolma stuffed vegetable dish
harisa wheat and meat porridge
gata sweet Armenian pastry
sujuk spiced sausage
basturma cured spiced beef
matnakash Armenian bread
tan yogurt drink
madzún Armenian yogurt
khash traditional soup
khashlama meat stew
lahmajun thin flatbread with meat
churchkhela nut and grape sweet
arak anise spirit
duduk Armenian woodwind instrument
zurna traditional wind instrument
kanon plucked string instrument
saz long necked lute
shvi Armenian flute
kochari traditional Armenian dance
yarkhushta traditional martial dance
taraz traditional Armenian dress
jachkar Armenian cross stone
khachkar cross stone
vank monastery
katolikós head of the Armenian Church
Etchmiadzin spiritual center of Armenia
Echmiadzin Armenian religious city
Apostólica Armenia Armenian Apostolic Church
Artsaj Artsakh
Nagorno Karabaj Nagorno Karabakh
karabají Karabakh related
Monte Ararat Mount Ararat
urartu ancient Armenian kingdom
cilicia armenia Armenian Cilicia
diáspora armenia Armenian diaspora
genocidio armenio Armenian genocide
dashnak Armenian nationalist party member
dashnaktsutiún Armenian Revolutionary Federation
hunchak Armenian political movement
jan dear, affectionate suffix
tuf armenio Armenian volcanic stone
alfombra armenia Armenian carpet

Azerbaijani Loanwords in Spanish

Many of the Azerbaijani terms remain foreign in Spanish and are usually used when describing Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani identity, traditional cuisine, carpet weaving, musical culture, oil history, or the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Some words overlap with Turkish, Persian, Arabic, or Russian influence, reflecting Azerbaijan’s position between several cultural worlds.

azerbaiyano Azerbaijani language or person
azerbaiyana Azerbaijani woman or adjective
azerbaiyanos Azerbaijanis
Azerbaiyán Azerbaijan
Bakú Baku
azerí Azeri person or language
azeríes Azeris
turco azerí Azerbaijani Turkic language
manat Azerbaijani currency
qapik Azerbaijani coin
karabají Karabakh related
Nagorno Karabaj Nagorno Karabakh
Artsaj Artsakh
Najicheván Nakhchivan
Absherón Absheron Peninsula
Cáucaso Caucasus
mar Caspio Caspian Sea
Gobustán Gobustan
shirvan historical region
kanato khanate
kanato de Bakú Baku Khanate
kanato de Karabaj Karabakh Khanate
shah king
khan ruler
jan dear, affectionate suffix
bey lord, title
pasha high official
mugam Azerbaijani classical music
muqam modal musical tradition
ashiq folk singer poet
saz long necked lute
tar plucked string instrument
kamancha bowed string instrument
balaban double reed wind instrument
zurna traditional wind instrument
nagará drum
meykhana improvised poetic performance
yalli traditional group dance
lezginka Caucasian dance
alfombra azerbaiyana Azerbaijani carpet
kilim flat woven rug
sumaj carpet pattern or weaving term
butá paisley like motif
novruz spring festival
plov rice pilaf
dolma stuffed vegetables or leaves
dushbara small dumpling soup
qutab stuffed flatbread
lavash thin flatbread
kebab grilled meat
shashlik skewered meat
pakhlava Azerbaijani baklava
shekerbura sweet pastry
halva sweet confection
ayran yogurt drink
dovga yogurt herb soup
narsharab pomegranate sauce
té azerbaiyano Azerbaijani tea
samovar tea urn
caravanserai roadside inn
zoroastrismo Zoroastrianism
templo del fuego fire temple

Bengali Loanwords in Spanish

Spanish has absorbed only a limited number of Bengali related words, mostly through literature, history, religion, food, music, politics, and cultural writing about Bengal, Bangladesh, and eastern India. Many of these terms remain foreign or semi foreign in Spanish and are usually used when discussing Bengali identity, South Asian cuisine, colonial history, the independence of Bangladesh, traditional clothing, music, poetry, and religious life. Some words overlap with Sanskrit, Hindi, Persian, Arabic, or English influence, reflecting Bengal’s long history of cultural exchange.

bengalí Bengali language or person
bengalíes Bengalis
Bengala Bengal
Bangladés Bangladesh
bangladesí Bangladeshi person
bangla Bengali language
alfabeto bengalí Bengali alphabet
taka Bangladeshi currency
paisa small currency unit
Dhaka Dhaka
Daca Dhaka
Calcuta Kolkata
Kolkata Kolkata
Ganges Ganges River
Brahmaputra Brahmaputra River
delta del Ganges Ganges Delta
Sundarbans mangrove region
tigre de Bengala Bengal tiger
bahía de Bengala Bay of Bengal
bengalina Bengaline fabric
muselina muslin
yute jute
sari traditional women’s garment
shalwar kameez traditional outfit
lungi wrapped garment
gamcha cotton towel
bindi forehead mark
adda informal conversation gathering
puja worship ritual
Durga Puja festival of Durga
Kali Puja festival of Kali
baul Bengali mystic singer
ektara one string instrument
tabla pair of drums
sitar string instrument
rabindra sangeet songs of Rabindranath Tagore
nazrul geeti songs of Kazi Nazrul Islam
kirtan devotional singing
Tagore Bengali writer
Rabindranath Tagore Bengali poet
Kazi Nazrul Islam Bengali poet
bhangra bengalí Bengali style dance reference
hilsa ilish fish
ilish hilsa fish
muri puffed rice
pitha rice cake
rasgulla syrup sweet
rosogolla Bengali syrup sweet
sandesh milk based sweet
mishti doi sweet yogurt
jhal muri spiced puffed rice
machher jhol fish curry
shorshe ilish hilsa in mustard sauce
biryani bengalí Bengali biryani
korma spiced stew
dal lentils
luchi fried flatbread
paratha layered flatbread
chutney spiced relish
cha tea
rickshaw cycle taxi
hartal strike or shutdown
zamindar landholder
nawab Muslim ruler or noble
jatiya national
mukti bahini Bangladesh liberation forces
guerra de liberación liberation war

Bhutanese Loanwords in Spanish

In Spanish, Bhutanese related vocabulary usually appears through geography, Buddhism, tourism, monarchy, architecture, clothing, festivals, and cultural writing about Bhutan. Since “Bhutanese” normally refers to the people and culture of Bhutan rather than a single language, many of the most relevant terms are linked to Dzongkha, the national language, and to Tibetan Buddhist traditions. These words often keep a foreign character in Spanish and are used when describing Bhutan’s religious life, mountain landscapes, national dress, government, and unique cultural identity.

butanés Bhutanese person or adjective
butanesa Bhutanese woman or adjective
butaneses Bhutanese people
Bután Bhutan
reino de Bután Kingdom of Bhutan
dzongkha national language of Bhutan
druk dragon
Druk Yul Land of the Thunder Dragon
drukpa Bhutanese Buddhist tradition
ngultrum Bhutanese currency
chhertum small Bhutanese currency unit
Timbu Thimphu
Thimphu capital of Bhutan
Paro Bhutanese town and valley
Punakha historic Bhutanese capital
Bumthang region of Bhutan
Trongsa Bhutanese town and fortress
Wangdue Bhutanese district
Trashigang eastern Bhutanese district
Himalaya butanés Bhutanese Himalaya
dzong fortress monastery
Paro Taktsang Tiger’s Nest monastery
Taktsang Tiger’s Nest
lha khang temple
chorten Buddhist shrine
estupa Buddhist monument
mani prayer inscription or mantra stone
rueda de oración prayer wheel
bandera de oración prayer flag
lama Buddhist teacher
rinpoche honored Buddhist teacher
tulku reincarnated lama
vajrayana Tantric Buddhism
budismo tibetano Tibetan Buddhism
monje drukpa Drukpa monk
gomchen lay Buddhist practitioner
tshechu religious festival
cham masked ritual dance
tsechu Bhutanese festival
archería butanesa Bhutanese archery
dha bow
khuru traditional dart game
gho traditional men’s robe
kira traditional women’s dress
toego women’s jacket
wonju inner blouse
kabney ceremonial scarf for men
rachu ceremonial scarf for women
zorig chusum thirteen traditional arts
thangka religious painting
mandala sacred diagram
ema datshi chili and cheese dish
kewa datshi potato and cheese dish
shamu datshi mushroom and cheese dish
jasha maru spicy chicken dish
momo dumpling
suja butter tea
ara traditional alcoholic drink
ja tea
chogo dried cheese
yak Himalayan ox
takin national animal of Bhutan
yeti mythical Himalayan creature
felicidad nacional bruta Gross National Happiness
Lhotshampa Nepali speaking Bhutanese community
Sharchop eastern Bhutanese people
Ngalop western Bhutanese people

Bulgarian Loanwords in Spanish

Bulgarian traces in Spanish are mostly found in history, politics, religion, cuisine, music, sport, and writing about the Balkans. The connection is not large, but certain words and names appear when Spanish speakers discuss Bulgaria’s Orthodox tradition, Slavic culture, communist period, folk music, yogurt production, and regional identity. Some terms are shared with other Slavic languages or reached Spanish through broader European usage, while others remain closely tied to Bulgarian culture.

búlgaro Bulgarian language or person
búlgara Bulgarian woman or adjective
búlgaros Bulgarians
Bulgaria Bulgaria
Sofía Sofia
alfabeto cirílico Cyrillic alphabet
cirílico búlgaro Bulgarian Cyrillic
eslavo eclesiástico Church Slavonic
boyardo boyar noble
zar tsar
zarina tsarina
kan khan
kanato búlgaro Bulgarian khanate
Primer Imperio búlgaro First Bulgarian Empire
Segundo Imperio búlgaro Second Bulgarian Empire
Rila Rila region or monastery
monasterio de Rila Rila Monastery
Iglesia ortodoxa búlgara Bulgarian Orthodox Church
patriarcado búlgaro Bulgarian Patriarchate
bogomilo Bogomil believer
bogomilismo Bogomil religious movement
haiduk Balkan rebel or outlaw
horo Bulgarian circle dance
kopanitsa Bulgarian folk dance rhythm
gaida Bulgarian bagpipe
kaval Balkan flute
gadulka Bulgarian bowed instrument
tupan large drum
chalga Bulgarian pop folk music
kukeri masked ritual performers
martenitsa red and white spring charm
Baba Marta Bulgarian spring figure
nestinarstvo fire dancing ritual
yogur búlgaro Bulgarian yogurt
lactobacilo búlgaro Bulgarian yogurt bacterium
banitsa cheese filled pastry
shopska Bulgarian salad
tarator cold yogurt and cucumber soup
lyutenitsa pepper and tomato spread
kashkaval yellow cheese
sirene white brined cheese
rakia fruit brandy
boza fermented cereal drink
kebapche grilled minced meat sausage
kyufte meatball
sarmi stuffed cabbage leaves
moussaka búlgara Bulgarian moussaka
pitka traditional bread
kozunak sweet Easter bread
lukanka dry cured sausage
sudzhuk spiced sausage
kiselo mlyako sour milk, yogurt
lev Bulgarian currency
stotinka Bulgarian coin
lev búlgaro Bulgarian lev
Tracia Thrace
tracio Thracian
Moesia ancient Balkan region
Ródope Rhodope Mountains
Balcanes Balkans

Burmese Loanwords in Spanish

The Burmese presence in Spanish is usually found in texts about Myanmar, Buddhism, colonial history, ethnic minorities, politics, cuisine, clothing, and Southeast Asian culture. Many terms are not fully naturalized in Spanish and are mainly used when describing Burmese society, religious life, traditional dress, military rule, local food, or the country’s complex ethnic landscape. Some words also appear through English or broader regional usage, especially in journalism and travel writing.

birmano Burmese language or person
birmana Burmese woman or adjective
birmanos Burmese people
Myanmar Myanmar
Birmania Burma
Naipyidó Naypyidaw
Rangún Yangon
Yangón Yangon
Mandalay Mandalay
bagan ancient temple city
pagoda Buddhist temple tower
estupa Buddhist monument
zedi Burmese Buddhist stupa
paya Burmese pagoda
kyaung Buddhist monastery
nat Burmese spirit
nat pwe spirit festival
theravada Theravada Buddhism
sangha Buddhist monastic community
pongyi Buddhist monk
sayadaw respected Buddhist teacher
vipassana insight meditation
metta loving kindness
thanaka cosmetic tree paste
longyi traditional wraparound garment
paso men’s longyi
htamein women’s longyi
acheik traditional wave pattern textile
cheroot Burmese cigar
lahpet fermented tea leaves
lahpet thoke tea leaf salad
mohinga rice noodle fish soup
ohn no khao swe coconut chicken noodle soup
shan noodles Shan style noodles
laphet yay Burmese milk tea
ngapi fermented fish paste
balachaung fried shrimp relish
mont let saung sweet coconut dessert
mont lone yay paw sweet rice balls
htamin rice
kyat Myanmar currency
pya small currency unit
tatmadaw Myanmar armed forces
junta birmana Burmese military junta
hluttaw parliament
NLD National League for Democracy
Aung San Burmese independence leader
Aung San Suu Kyi Burmese political figure
saffron revolution monk led protests
revolución azafrán Saffron Revolution
rohingya Rohingya people
karén Karen people or language
kachin Kachin people
shan Shan people
chin Chin people
mon Mon people
rakhine Rakhine people
arakán Arakan region
irrawaddy Irrawaddy River
ayeyarwady Irrawaddy River
lago Inle Inle Lake
kayan Kayan people
padaung Kayan subgroup
naga birmano Burmese Naga people
thadingyut Burmese lights festival
thingyan Burmese New Year water festival
chinlone traditional cane ball game

Cantonese Loanwords in Spanish

Cantonese related vocabulary in Spanish is most visible in food, migration history, cinema, martial arts, trade, Hong Kong culture, and Chinese diaspora communities. Many terms reached Spanish through restaurants, popular culture, English mediation, or broader Chinese cultural contact rather than through direct linguistic borrowing alone. Because Cantonese is strongly associated with Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and overseas Chinese communities, these words often appear when Spanish speakers discuss cuisine, urban culture, family names, films, festivals, and regional identity.

cantonés Cantonese language or person
cantonesa Cantonese woman or adjective
cantoneses Cantonese people
Cantón Guangzhou
Guangzhou Guangzhou
Guangdong Canton province
Hong Kong Hong Kong
Macao Macau
Macau Macau
yue Cantonese language group
jyutping Cantonese romanization system
dim sum small Cantonese dishes
yum cha tea drinking meal
wonton filled dumpling
wan tan wonton dumpling
char siu Cantonese roast pork
siu mei Cantonese roasted meats
cheung fun rice noodle rolls
har gow shrimp dumpling
siu mai pork and shrimp dumpling
lo mein stirred noodles
chow mein fried noodles
ho fun wide rice noodles
congee rice porridge
jook rice porridge
lap cheong Chinese sausage
lo bak go turnip cake
egg tart custard tart
dan tat Cantonese egg tart
pineapple bun sweet Hong Kong bun
bo lo bao pineapple bun
milk tea Hong Kong milk tea
lai cha milk tea
cha chaan teng Hong Kong style café
dai pai dong open air food stall
hot pot cantonés Cantonese hot pot
salsa hoisin sweet savory sauce
salsa XO spicy seafood sauce
pak choi Chinese cabbage
bok choy Chinese cabbage
choy sum leafy Chinese vegetable
gai lan Chinese broccoli
taro root vegetable
litchi lychee
longan dragon eye fruit
kumquat small citrus fruit
feng shui geomancy
kung fu Chinese martial art
wing chun Cantonese martial art
wushu martial arts
lion dance Chinese lion dance
danza del león lion dance
dragón cantonés Cantonese dragon motif
ópera cantonesa Cantonese opera
Cantopop Cantonese pop music
cine de Hong Kong Hong Kong cinema
triada Chinese criminal society
tongs Chinese associations
chop suey Chinese American mixed dish
chinatown Chinese district
barrio chino Chinese quarter
sifu master, teacher
tai chi Chinese martial art exercise
qipao Chinese dress
cheongsam Cantonese style dress
mahjong Chinese tile game
hongkonés Hong Kong person or adjective
cantoparlante Cantonese speaking person

Catalan Loanwords in Spanish

The relationship between Spanish and Catalan is especially close because both languages developed side by side on the Iberian Peninsula. Catalan influence on Spanish appears through regional life, food, literature, politics, commerce, seafaring, architecture, and cultural terms connected with Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and Andorra. Some words entered general Spanish, while others are mainly used when referring to Catalan speaking regions and their traditions.

paella rice dish
alioli garlic and oil sauce
butifarra Catalan sausage
fuet dry cured sausage
calçot spring onion
calçotada meal based on grilled calçots
escalivada roasted vegetable dish
suquet fish stew
fideuá noodle seafood dish
coca flatbread or pastry
ensaimada spiral pastry
sobrasada cured pork spread
pan tumaca bread with tomato
pa amb tomàquet bread with tomato
crema catalana Catalan custard dessert
ratafía herbal liqueur
cava sparkling wine
moscatel sweet wine
porrón wine drinking vessel
masía Catalan farmhouse
barraca hut, rural shelter
raval outer neighborhood
lonja exchange hall, market building
seo cathedral church
sardana Catalan circle dance
castell human tower
casteller human tower participant
colla group, troupe
correfoc fire running festival
gegant festival giant figure
capgròs big headed festival figure
diada national or festive day
senyera Catalan flag
estelada Catalan independence flag
barretina traditional red cap
espardenya espadrille
faja sash
pubilla traditional heiress figure
hereu traditional heir figure
caganer Christmas nativity figure
tió Christmas log
cagatió Christmas gift log
moixiganga traditional dance or performance
jota catalana Catalan jota dance
habanera catalana Catalan coastal song
rumba catalana Catalan rumba music
modernismo catalán Catalan modernism
trencadís broken tile mosaic
novecentismo Noucentisme cultural movement
Renaixença Catalan literary revival
Generalitat Catalan government institution
conseller regional minister
mossos Catalan police officers
Mossos d’Esquadra Catalan police force
veguería historical territorial division
comarca county, district
payés peasant, farmer
masovero tenant farmer
menestral artisan
faena work, task
capicúa palindromic number
peseta former Spanish currency
clavel carnation
reloj clock, watch
nácar mother of pearl
esquirol strikebreaker
prensa press
mercader merchant
burdel brothel
boira fog, Catalan cultural term

Chinese Loanwords in Spanish

Chinese influence on Spanish appears through trade, food, migration, philosophy, medicine, martial arts, politics, religion, and popular culture. Many Chinese related words reached Spanish through contact with Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, English, or international commerce, so not every term entered directly from one single Chinese variety. In Spanish, these words are especially common when discussing Chinese cuisine, tea, traditional medicine, dynastic history, calligraphy, festivals, and the Chinese diaspora.

té tea
tofu bean curd
soja soy
salsa de soja soy sauce
wok Chinese cooking pan
dim sum small Chinese dishes
wonton filled dumpling
wan tan wonton dumpling
chow mein fried noodles
lo mein stirred noodles
bao steamed bun
baozi steamed filled bun
jiaozi Chinese dumpling
mantou steamed bread
hot pot Chinese hot pot
fondue china Chinese hot pot
pato laqueado Peking duck
sichuan Sichuan style
mapo tofu spicy tofu dish
kung pao spicy stir fried dish
hoisin sweet savory sauce
pak choi Chinese cabbage
bok choy Chinese cabbage
litchi lychee
longan dragon eye fruit
kumquat small citrus fruit
ginseng medicinal root
goji wolfberry
oolong semi fermented tea
pu erh fermented tea
lapsang souchong smoked black tea
kung fu Chinese martial art
wushu Chinese martial arts
tai chi Chinese martial art exercise
qigong breathing and energy practice
yin yang dual cosmic principles
feng shui geomancy
qi vital energy
chi vital energy
tao way, path
dao way, path
taoísmo Daoism
confucianismo Confucianism
Confucio Confucius
budismo chan Chan Buddhism
zen meditative Buddhist tradition
mandarín Mandarin language or official
cantonés Cantonese language
han major Chinese ethnic group
hànzì Chinese characters
pinyin Romanization system for Mandarin
caligrafía china Chinese calligraphy
ideograma written character
pagoda tiered temple tower
dragón chino Chinese dragon
zodíaco chino Chinese zodiac
año nuevo chino Chinese New Year
fiesta de los faroles Lantern Festival
festival del medio otoño Mid Autumn Festival
farolillo chino Chinese lantern
mahjong Chinese tile game
go strategy board game
weiqi Chinese name for go
dinastía Qin Qin dynasty
dinastía Han Han dynasty
dinastía Tang Tang dynasty
dinastía Ming Ming dynasty
dinastía Qing Qing dynasty
emperador chino Chinese emperor
mandarín imperial imperial official
yuan Chinese currency
renminbi Chinese currency
maoísmo Maoism
guardia roja Red Guard
hutong traditional alleyway
qipao Chinese dress
cheongsam Chinese dress
sifu master, teacher
chinatown Chinese district
barrio chino Chinese quarter

Croatian Loanwords in Spanish

Croatian vocabulary in Spanish is usually seen in writing about the Adriatic, Balkan history, Slavic culture, tourism, sport, food, music, and regional identity. The connection is modest, and many Croatian related words remain specialized or cultural rather than everyday terms. Some entered Spanish through historical discussion of Yugoslavia, the Dalmatian coast, Catholic and Slavic traditions, or modern references to Croatian cities, cuisine, and football.

croata Croatian language or person
croatas Croatians
Croacia Croatia
Zagreb Zagreb
Dalmacia Dalmatia
dálmata Dalmatian
Istria Istria
istriano Istrian
Eslavonia Slavonia
eslavonio Slavonian
Dubrovnik Dubrovnik
Ragusa Ragusa, historical Dubrovnik
Split Split
Zadar Zadar
Rijeka Rijeka
Pula Pula
Hvar Hvar island
Korčula Korčula island
Adriático Adriatic Sea
kuna former Croatian currency
lipa former Croatian coin
ban historical governor or ruler
banato territory ruled by a ban
sabor Croatian parliament
ustacha Croatian fascist movement member
ustacha Ustaše movement
domobran home guard soldier
chetnik Balkan nationalist fighter
yugoslavo Yugoslav
Yugoslavia Yugoslavia
glagolítico Glagolitic script
alfabeto glagolítico Glagolitic alphabet
kajkaviano Kajkavian dialect
chakaviano Chakavian dialect
štokaviano Shtokavian dialect
klapa Dalmatian vocal group
tamburica string instrument
ganga traditional polyphonic singing
kolo circle dance
licitar decorated Croatian heart biscuit
corbata necktie
cravat necktie origin reference
brudet fish stew
brodetto fish stew
peka dish cooked under a bell lid
ćevapi grilled minced meat sausages
cevapi grilled minced meat sausages
sarma stuffed cabbage rolls
burek filled pastry
štrukli cheese pastry
strukli cheese pastry
kulen spicy cured sausage
pršut dry cured ham
prsut dry cured ham
paški sir Pag cheese
ajvar pepper relish
rakija fruit brandy
slivovitz plum brandy
pelinkovac herbal liqueur
marasquino cherry liqueur
malvasía istriana Istrian Malvasia wine
plavac mali Croatian red grape
pošip Croatian white grape
grk Croatian white wine grape
trufa istriana Istrian truffle
pag island of Pag
bura cold Adriatic wind
jugo warm southern wind
karst limestone landscape
dinarides Dinaric Alps

Czech Loanwords in Spanish

Czech influence in Spanish is most noticeable in historical, political, musical, literary, industrial, and Central European cultural contexts. Many Czech related terms appear when Spanish speakers discuss Bohemia, Moravia, Prague, the Habsburg period, classical music, beer culture, communist history, and modern Czech identity. A few words became widely recognized internationally, especially terms connected with literature, politics, and the arts.

checo Czech language or person
checa Czech woman or adjective
checos Czechs
Chequia Czechia
República Checa Czech Republic
Praga Prague
Bohemia Bohemia
bohemio Bohemian
Moravia Moravia
moravo Moravian
Silesia checa Czech Silesia
eslavo occidental West Slavic
corona checa Czech crown
koruna Czech crown
hussita Hussite
husita Hussite
taborita Taborite
utraquista Utraquist
defenestración defenestration
defenestración de Praga Defenestration of Prague
guerra husita Hussite War
reino de Bohemia Kingdom of Bohemia
cristal de Bohemia Bohemian crystal
granate bohemio Bohemian garnet
pilsner pale lager beer
pilsen Pilsner beer
Budweiser beer from Budějovice
absenta strong herbal spirit
becherovka Czech herbal liqueur
kolache sweet pastry
koláč sweet pastry
knedlik dumpling
knedlíky Czech dumplings
goulash checo Czech goulash
svíčková cream sauce beef dish
trdelník chimney cake
smažený sýr fried cheese
utopenec pickled sausage
vepřo knedlo zelo pork, dumplings, and cabbage
polca polka dance
polka polka dance
furiant Czech folk dance
sokol gymnastics movement
robot robot
robótica robotics
kafkaiano Kafkaesque
kafkiano Kafkaesque
rusalka water spirit
moldava Vltava River
Vltava Vltava River
Švejk comic soldier figure
buen soldado Švejk Good Soldier Švejk
samizdat underground publication
disidente checo Czech dissident
Carta 77 Charter 77
Primavera de Praga Prague Spring
Revolución de Terciopelo Velvet Revolution
socialismo con rostro humano socialism with a human face
checoslovaco Czechoslovak
Checoslovaquia Czechoslovakia
Bohemia y Moravia Bohemia and Moravia
Sudetes Sudetenland
sudete Sudeten German
castillo de Praga Prague Castle
puente de Carlos Charles Bridge
reloj astronómico astronomical clock
marioneta checa Czech puppet
teatro negro black light theatre
diseño cubista checo Czech cubist design

Danish Loanwords in Spanish

Danish words in Spanish are mostly connected with Scandinavian history, design, monarchy, food, literature, sport, navigation, and modern Nordic culture. The influence is not large, but Danish related vocabulary appears when Spanish speakers discuss Denmark, the Viking world, Nordic social models, Danish pastries, furniture design, fairy tales, film, football, and Greenland. Some words are shared with other Scandinavian languages, while others are specifically tied to Danish culture and identity.

danés Danish language or person
danesa Danish woman or adjective
daneses Danes
Dinamarca Denmark
Copenhague Copenhagen
Jutlandia Jutland
Selandia Zealand island
Fionia Funen
Bornholm Bornholm island
Groenlandia Greenland
groenlandés Greenlandic person or language
feroés Faroese language or person
islas Feroe Faroe Islands
corona danesa Danish krone
krone Danish crown currency
øre small Danish currency unit
folketing Danish parliament
dannebrog Danish flag
hygge coziness, comfort
janteloven Law of Jante
diseño danés Danish design
modernismo danés Danish modernism
silla danesa Danish chair
lámpara PH Danish design lamp
lego Danish toy brick brand
vikingo Viking
drakkar Viking longship
jarl Norse noble
thing assembly
runa rune
alfabeto rúnico runic alphabet
valquiria Valkyrie
odinismo Norse pagan belief
smørrebrød open faced sandwich
sándwich danés Danish open sandwich
pastel danés Danish pastry
danesa Danish pastry
wienerbrød Danish pastry
kringle pretzel shaped pastry
æbleskiver round pancake balls
frikadeller Danish meatballs
flæskesteg roast pork
rødgrød red berry pudding
rugbrød rye bread
remoulade cold sauce
aquavit Scandinavian spirit
akvavit aquavit
snaps strong spirit
gløgg mulled wine
carlsberg Danish beer reference
tuborg Danish beer reference
sirena de Copenhague Little Mermaid statue
Hans Christian Andersen Danish fairy tale writer
Kierkegaard Danish philosopher
nórdico negro Nordic noir
cine danés Danish cinema
dogma 95 Danish film movement
borgen Danish political drama reference
julefrokost Danish Christmas lunch
nisse Nordic house spirit
lucía danesa Saint Lucia celebration
midsommer midsummer celebration
sankt hans Danish midsummer eve
balonmano danés Danish handball
fútbol danés Danish football
dinamita danesa Danish Dynamite football nickname
roya danesa Danish royal family
margarita de Dinamarca Margrethe of Denmark
casa de Glücksburg Danish royal dynasty
luteranismo danés Danish Lutheranism
iglesia popular danesa Danish national church
folkehøjskole folk high school
modelo danés Danish social model
flexiguridad flexicurity
bienestar danés Danish welfare system

Dari Loanwords in Spanish

Dari related vocabulary in Spanish is usually connected with Afghanistan, Persian literary culture, Islamic history, migration, politics, food, music, and Central Asian geography. Since Dari is one of the main varieties of Persian, many terms overlap with Persian, Arabic, Pashto, Turkic, or Urdu usage. In Spanish, these words tend to appear in journalism, travel writing, historical texts, and discussions of Afghan society, rather than as ordinary everyday vocabulary.

darí Dari language
persa darí Dari Persian
afgano Afghan person or adjective
afgana Afghan woman or adjective
afganos Afghans
Afganistán Afghanistan
Kabul Kabul
Herat Herat
Kandahar Kandahar
Mazar i Sharif Mazar i Sharif
Bamiyán Bamiyan
Panjshir Panjshir Valley
Hindú Kush Hindu Kush mountains
Jorasán Khorasan
kabulí person from Kabul
heratí person from Herat
afgani Afghan currency
pul small Afghan currency unit
shura council
loya jirga grand assembly
jirga tribal council
emir ruler, commander
emirato emirate
mulá Muslim religious teacher
ulema Islamic scholars
muyahidín Islamic fighters
talibán Taliban member or movement
talib religious student
madraza Islamic school
burka full body veil
chador large veil
pakol Afghan wool cap
shalwar kameez traditional outfit
perahan tunban Afghan shirt and trousers
chapán traditional coat
alfombra afgana Afghan carpet
kilim afgano Afghan flat woven rug
buzkashi Afghan horseback game
attán Afghan dance
rubab Afghan lute
dambura long necked lute
tabla pair of drums
ghazal lyric poem
masnaví rhymed poetic form
diwán poetry collection
sufí Sufi mystic
derviche Sufi ascetic
nowruz Persian New Year
haft mewa seven fruit drink
kabuli pulao rice dish with meat and raisins
palaw rice pilaf
qabili palaw Afghan rice dish
mantu stuffed dumplings
ashak leek dumplings
bolani stuffed flatbread
naan afgano Afghan bread
kebab afgano Afghan grilled meat
qorma spiced stew
sabzi greens dish
borani banjan eggplant dish
firni milk pudding
sheer khurma milk and date dessert
doogh yogurt drink
chai tea
chai sabz green tea
lapislázuli blue precious stone
badakhshan region known for lapis lazuli
hazaras Hazara people
tayikos Tajiks
pastunes Pashtuns
uzbekos afganos Afghan Uzbeks
nómadas kuchi Kuchi nomads

Dutch Loanwords in Spanish

Dutch left a recognizable trace in Spanish through trade, navigation, painting, colonial history, engineering, finance, food, and cultural contact with the Low Countries. During the early modern period, Spain and the Netherlands were closely connected through politics, conflict, commerce, and empire, which helped certain Dutch related words circulate in Spanish. Later, terms connected with Dutch art, seafaring, dairy products, flowers, bicycles, and modern Dutch society became familiar in Spanish texts.

neerlandés Dutch language
holandés Dutch person or language
holandesa Dutch woman or adjective
holandeses Dutch people
Países Bajos Netherlands
Holanda Holland
Ámsterdam Amsterdam
Róterdam Rotterdam
La Haya The Hague
Utrecht Utrecht
Flandes Flanders
flamenco Flemish
frisón Frisian language or person
zelandés Zeelandic
afrikaans Afrikaans language
bóer Boer person
apartheid racial segregation system
güelfo historical faction term
florín guilder
guilder Dutch guilder
gulden Dutch guilder
rijksdaalder Dutch silver coin
dólar dollar
bolsa stock exchange
compañía neerlandesa Dutch company
VOC Dutch East India Company
Compañía de las Indias Orientales East India Company
dique dike
pólder reclaimed lowland
esclusa lock gate
canal canal
molino holandés Dutch windmill
zueco wooden clog
klompen wooden clogs
tulipán tulip
tulipomanía tulip mania
jacinto hyacinth
gouda Gouda cheese
edam Edam cheese
queso holandés Dutch cheese
arenque herring
matjes young herring
stroopwafel syrup waffle
speculaas spiced biscuit
poffertjes small pancakes
bitterballen fried meat balls
kroket croquette
rookworst smoked sausage
hagelslag chocolate sprinkles
jenever Dutch gin
ginebra gin
cerveza trapense Trappist beer
brabante Brabant region
zelanda Zeeland
Rembrandt Dutch painter
Vermeer Dutch painter
Van Gogh Dutch painter
De Stijl Dutch art movement
neoplasticismo De Stijl artistic theory
rijksmuseum Dutch national museum
gabán overcoat
yate yacht
esquife small boat
balandra sloop
babor port side
estribor starboard
iceberg iceberg
crucero holandés Dutch cruise ship
bicicleta holandesa Dutch bicycle
naranja neerlandesa Dutch orange color or symbol
Casa de Orange House of Orange
orangista supporter of the House of Orange
calvinismo neerlandés Dutch Calvinism
sínodo de Dort Synod of Dort
modelo pólder Dutch consensus model
coffee shop Dutch cannabis café
barrio rojo red light district

English Loanwords in Spanish

English influence on Spanish became especially strong from the 19th century onward, and it expanded rapidly during the 20th and 21st centuries through technology, business, science, sport, cinema, music, advertising, the internet, and global popular culture. Some English words have been adapted to Spanish spelling or pronunciation, while others are used almost unchanged. In many cases, Spanish speakers alternate between an English borrowing and a Spanish equivalent, depending on context, region, age group, and level of formality.

fútbol football, soccer
gol goal
penalti penalty kick
córner corner kick
club club
tenis tennis
golf golf
béisbol baseball
baloncesto basketball
voleibol volleyball
boxeo boxing
ring boxing ring
nocaut knockout
esprint sprint
récord record
líder leader
ranking ranking
marketing marketing
manager manager
mánager manager
business business
startup startup
holding holding company
leasing leasing
broker broker
stock stock
cash cash
ticket ticket, receipt
shopping shopping
outlet discount store
mall shopping mall
supermercado supermarket
sándwich sandwich
bistec beef steak
rosbif roast beef
hamburguesa hamburger
hot dog hot dog
kétchup ketchup
cóctel cocktail
whisky whisky
brandy brandy
bar bar
pub pub
snack snack
donut doughnut
muffin muffin
brownie brownie
software software
hardware hardware
internet internet
web web
email email
e mail email
chat chat
blog blog
podcast podcast
streaming streaming
hashtag hashtag
selfi selfie
online online
link link
wifi Wi Fi
router router
mouse computer mouse
escáner scanner
chip chip
robot robot
test test
estrés stress
champú shampoo
jersey sweater
pijama pajamas
shorts shorts
suéter sweater
blazer blazer
smoking tuxedo
look look, style
fashion fashion
casting casting
show show
reality reality show
thriller thriller
western western film
remake remake
tráiler trailer
spoiler spoiler
hit hit song
single single
rock rock music
jazz jazz
blues blues
rap rap
hip hop hip hop
pop pop music

Estonian Loanwords in Spanish

Estonian appears in Spanish mainly through references to the Baltic region, modern Estonia, Finno Ugric languages, digital society, folklore, music, politics, and northern European culture. Its vocabulary contribution is small, but certain terms are useful when writing about Estonia’s national identity, traditional festivals, food, mythology, historical regions, and post Soviet transformation. Many of these words remain clearly cultural rather than fully absorbed everyday Spanish vocabulary.

estonio Estonian language or person
estonia Estonian woman or adjective
estonios Estonians
Estonia Estonia
Tallin Tallinn
Tallinn Tallinn
Tartu Tartu
Narva Narva
Pärnu Pärnu
Saaremaa Saaremaa island
Hiiumaa Hiiumaa island
Setomaa Setomaa region
seto Seto people or language
võro Võro language
finougrio Finno Ugric
urálico Uralic
livonio Livonian
carelio Karelian
corona estonia former Estonian currency
kroon Estonian kroon
senti small Estonian currency unit
riigikogu Estonian parliament
e residencia digital residency
e Estonia digital Estonia
Skype Estonian linked technology brand
laulupidu Estonian song festival
tantsupidu dance festival
revolución cantada Singing Revolution
cadena báltica Baltic Way
kalevipoeg Estonian national epic hero
Kalevipoeg Estonian national epic
Linda figure from Estonian mythology
Taarapita ancient Estonian deity
hiis sacred grove
metsaema forest mother spirit
kratt mythical household creature
runo traditional song verse
regilaul ancient Estonian song style
kannel Estonian zither
torupill Estonian bagpipe
parmupill jaw harp
leelo Seto polyphonic singing
seto leelo Seto singing tradition
jõulud Christmas
jaanipäev Midsummer Day
jõuluvana Santa Claus
suitsusaun smoke sauna
sauna estonia Estonian sauna
verivorst blood sausage
mulgipuder potato and barley porridge
kama grain flour mixture
kohuke curd snack
leib black rye bread
kiluvõileib sprat sandwich
sült meat jelly
rosolje beetroot salad
hapukapsas sauerkraut
kringel sweet braided bread
kohupiim curd cheese
morss berry drink
kali fermented bread drink
vana tallinn Estonian liqueur
sprat báltico Baltic sprat
arenque báltico Baltic herring
lino estonio Estonian linen
ámbar báltico Baltic amber
bosque boreal boreal forest
turbera estonia Estonian peat bog
mar Báltico Baltic Sea
golfo de Finlandia Gulf of Finland
Orden Livonia Livonian Order
livonios Livonians
hermanos del bosque Forest Brothers

Finnish Loanwords in Spanish

Finnish related words in Spanish usually appear in discussions of northern Europe, Uralic languages, sauna culture, design, education, winter landscapes, folklore, music, technology, and modern Finland. The connection is specialized rather than broad, but Finnish terms are useful when describing Finland’s national identity, mythology, social model, traditional food, Arctic life, and distinctive cultural concepts. Some words, such as sauna, are widely recognized, while others remain closely tied to Finnish culture.

finés Finnish language or person
finesa Finnish woman or adjective
finlandés Finnish person or adjective
finlandesa Finnish woman or adjective
Finlandia Finland
Helsinki Helsinki
Turku Turku
Tampere Tampere
Oulu Oulu
Laponia finlandesa Finnish Lapland
Rovaniemi Rovaniemi
Carelia Karelia
carelio Karelian
sami Sámi person or language
sámi Sámi person or language
suomi Finnish language or Finland
finougrio Finno Ugric
urálico Uralic
markka former Finnish currency
penni small Finnish currency unit
eduskunta Finnish parliament
sauna Finnish steam bath
löyly sauna steam
vihta birch sauna whisk
vasta birch sauna whisk
sisu grit, inner strength
kalsarikännit drinking at home in underwear
jokamiehenoikeus right to roam
talkoot community work gathering
mökki summer cottage
juhannus Midsummer festival
vappu May Day celebration
joulu Christmas
joulupukki Santa Claus
tonttu Christmas elf
Kalevala Finnish national epic
Väinämöinen Kalevala hero
Ilmarinen mythic smith
Lemminkäinen Kalevala hero
Louhi mythic northern ruler
sampo mythic magical object
kantele Finnish zither
joik traditional Sámi chant
humppa Finnish dance music
tango finlandés Finnish tango
pesäpallo Finnish baseball
salmiakki salty liquorice
karjalanpiirakka Karelian pie
kalakukko fish and pork rye pie
korvapuusti cinnamon roll
pulla sweet cardamom bread
leipäjuusto Finnish squeaky cheese
poronkäristys sautéed reindeer
lohikeitto salmon soup
hernekeitto pea soup
mämmi Easter rye pudding
ruisleipä rye bread
karpalo cranberry
lakka cloudberry
mustikka bilberry
glögi mulled drink
koskenkorva Finnish vodka
lonkero Finnish long drink
marimekko Finnish textile design brand
iittala Finnish glassware brand
alvar aalto Finnish architect and designer
mumin Moomin character
moomin Moomin character
tove jansson Finnish writer and artist
nokia Finnish technology brand
angry birds Finnish game franchise
molotov Molotov cocktail reference
guerra de invierno Winter War
línea Mannerheim Mannerheim Line
mannerheim Finnish military leader
karelianismo Karelian cultural movement
modelo finlandés Finnish social model
educación finlandesa Finnish education system
bosque boreal finlandés Finnish boreal forest
renos finlandeses Finnish reindeer
aurora boreal northern lights

French Loanwords in Spanish

French has shaped Spanish vocabulary through diplomacy, fashion, cuisine, literature, politics, art, military life, architecture, theatre, and modern social culture. Its strongest influence came especially from the Middle Ages onward, and later during the 18th and 19th centuries, when French culture had enormous prestige across Europe. Many French words entered Spanish in refined, urban, artistic, culinary, and political contexts, while others became completely naturalized and are now used without sounding foreign.

hotel hotel
restaurante restaurant
menú menu
bufé buffet
chef chef
croissant croissant
baguette baguette
soufflé soufflé
puré purée
paté pâté
bombón chocolate sweet
crep crêpe
fondue melted cheese dish
quiche savory tart
mayonesa mayonnaise
vinagreta vinaigrette
champán champagne
coñac cognac
licor liqueur
brut dry sparkling wine
gourmet fine food lover
boutique small fashionable shop
moda fashion
chic stylish
élite elite
glamur glamour
maquillaje makeup
perfume perfume
corsé corset
sostén bra
blusa blouse
chaqueta jacket
pantalón trousers
gabardina trench coat
boina beret
bisutería costume jewelry
collar necklace
carné card, identity document
chofer driver
garaje garage
avión airplane
tren train
vagón railway carriage
andén platform
billete ticket
bulevar boulevard
chalet country house
mansarda attic room
parqué wooden flooring
dossier file, case document
carnet card, pass
debut first appearance
debutante beginner, first time performer
matiné morning or afternoon performance
soirée evening gathering
ballet ballet
cabaret cabaret
vedette star performer
repertorio repertoire
afiche poster
collage collage
montaje editing, assembly
vanguardia avant garde
surrealismo surrealism
impresionismo impressionism
realismo realism
naturalismo naturalism
romanticismo romanticism
burgués bourgeois
burguesía bourgeoisie
comité committee
burocracia bureaucracy
parlamento parliament
golpe de Estado coup d’état
régimen regime
revancha revenge, rematch
sabotaje sabotage
espionaje espionage
camuflaje camouflage
blindaje armoring
brigada brigade
batallón battalion
sargento sergeant
coronel colonel
cadete cadet
fusil rifle
bayoneta bayonet
trinchera trench
avalancha avalanche
masaje massage
higiene hygiene
clínica clinic
ambulancia ambulance
vacuna vaccine
rutina routine
detalle detail
mensaje message
equipaje luggage

Georgian Loanwords in Spanish

Georgian related vocabulary in Spanish usually appears through the Caucasus, Orthodox Christianity, ancient kingdoms, wine culture, traditional food, alphabets, dance, music, and modern Georgian national identity. The connection is highly cultural and historical, with many words keeping their Georgian character when used in Spanish. These terms are especially useful in travel writing, gastronomy, religious history, linguistics, and discussions of Georgia’s position between Europe and Asia.

georgiano Georgian language or person
georgiana Georgian woman or adjective
georgianos Georgians
Georgia Georgia
Tiflis Tbilisi
Tbilisi Tbilisi
Kutaisi Kutaisi
Batumi Batumi
Svanetia Svaneti
svano Svan person or language
Mingrelia Samegrelo
mingrelio Mingrelian person or language
Lazistán Laz region
laz Laz person or language
Kartli central Georgian region
Kajetia Kakheti
Imericia Imereti
Adjaria Adjara
Abjasia Abkhazia
abjasio Abkhaz person or language
Osetia del Sur South Ossetia
alfabeto georgiano Georgian alphabet
mkhedruli modern Georgian script
asomtavruli ancient Georgian script
nuskhuri ecclesiastical Georgian script
kartvelio Kartvelian
lenguas kartvelianas Kartvelian languages
sakartvelo Georgia
kartveli Georgian person
Iglesia ortodoxa georgiana Georgian Orthodox Church
catolicós head of the Georgian Church
Mtsjeta Mtskheta
Jvari Georgian monastery
Gelati Georgian monastery
Svetitsjoveli Georgian cathedral
Vardzia cave monastery
qvevri clay wine vessel
kvevri clay wine vessel
vino georgiano Georgian wine
saperavi Georgian red grape
rkatsiteli Georgian white grape
supra Georgian feast
tamada toastmaster
khachapuri cheese filled bread
jachapuri cheese filled bread
khinkali Georgian dumplings
jinkali Georgian dumplings
lobio bean stew
lobiani bean filled bread
mtsvadi Georgian grilled meat
satsivi walnut sauce dish
tkemali sour plum sauce
adjika spicy paste
churchkhela grape and nut sweet
chacha Georgian grape spirit
badrijani eggplant rolls
puri Georgian bread
tonis puri bread baked in a tone oven
sulguni Georgian cheese
jonjoli pickled flower buds
kharcho spiced soup
chakhokhbili chicken stew
chakapuli herb and meat stew
polyfonía georgiana Georgian polyphony
canto georgiano Georgian singing
panduri three string lute
chonguri Georgian string instrument
doli Georgian drum
salamuri Georgian flute
kartuli Georgian dance
khorumi Georgian war dance
perkhuli Georgian circle dance
chokha traditional Georgian coat
papakha Caucasian wool hat
tamada georgiano Georgian toastmaster
Reino de Cólquida Kingdom of Colchis
Cólquida Colchis
argonautas Argonauts
vellocino de oro Golden Fleece
reina Tamar Queen Tamar

German Loanwords in Spanish

German influence on Spanish is visible in history, philosophy, science, music, military life, technology, food, politics, psychology, and Central European culture. Some German words entered Spanish through direct contact with German speaking countries, while others arrived through academic writing, political movements, medicine, industry, or international cultural prestige. Many of these terms still feel specialized, but others have become familiar in Spanish because of music, food, sport, cars, and modern history.

alemán German language or person
alemana German woman or adjective
alemanes Germans
Alemania Germany
germano Germanic
germánico Germanic
teutón Teuton
Baviera Bavaria
bávaro Bavarian
Prusia Prussia
prusiano Prussian
Sajonia Saxony
sajón Saxon
Renania Rhineland
Brandeburgo Brandenburg
Berlín Berlin
Múnich Munich
Hamburgo Hamburg
Fráncfort Frankfurt
Bundestag German federal parliament
Bundesrat German federal council
land German federal state
länder German federal states
reich empire, realm
káiser emperor
káiserin empress
führer leader
blitzkrieg lightning war
wehrmacht German armed forces
gestapo secret police
panzer armored tank
búnker bunker
ersatz substitute product
putsch coup attempt
anschluss political annexation
realpolitik pragmatic politics
weltanschauung worldview
zeitgeist spirit of the age
kulturkampf cultural struggle
lebensraum living space
ostpolitik eastern policy
wunderkind child prodigy
kindergarten nursery school
leitmotiv recurring musical or literary theme
lied German art song
lieder German art songs
singspiel German musical drama
wagneriano Wagnerian
bachiano Bach related
beethoveniano Beethovenian
kapellmeister music director
bauhaus German design school
expresionismo expressionism
dadaísmo Dadaism
kitsch tasteless art or style
bildungsroman novel of formation
doppelgänger double, lookalike
wanderlust desire to travel
angst anxiety, existential fear
gestalt form, configuration
psicoanálisis psychoanalysis
superyó superego
neurosis neurosis
autismo autism
alzhéimer Alzheimer’s disease
diésel diesel fuel or engine
zinc zinc
níquel nickel
cobalto cobalt
cuarzo quartz
feldespato feldspar
wolframio tungsten
volframio tungsten
bismuto bismuth
kínder children’s chocolate or child related term
hamburguesa hamburger
frankfurt frankfurter sausage
fráncfort frankfurter sausage
salchicha frankfurt frankfurter sausage
bratwurst German sausage
currywurst sausage with curry sauce
schnitzel breaded cutlet
chucrut sauerkraut
sauerkraut sauerkraut
pretzel twisted salted bread
brezel pretzel
strudel filled pastry
stollen Christmas fruit bread
kuchen cake
lebkuchen gingerbread
pumpernickel dark rye bread
lager bottom fermented beer
pilsner pale lager beer
weissbier wheat beer
oktoberfest beer festival
kirsch cherry brandy
schnapps strong spirit
delicatessen fine food shop
rucksack backpack
autobahn German motorway

Greek Loanwords in Spanish

Greek has influenced Spanish through ancient philosophy, science, medicine, religion, literature, politics, art, theatre, mathematics, and later through Byzantine and modern Greek cultural references. Many Greek origin words entered Spanish through Latin, scholarly language, Christianity, and European intellectual traditions, so they often feel completely naturalized. Other terms remain more visibly Greek and are used when speaking about mythology, Orthodox Christianity, classical civilization, food, islands, and modern Greek identity.

academia academy
filosofía philosophy
política politics
democracia democracy
monarquía monarchy
aristocracia aristocracy
anarquía anarchy
economía economy
teoría theory
idea idea
lógica logic
ética ethics
estética aesthetics
historia history
poesía poetry
música music
teatro theatre
drama drama
tragedia tragedy
comedia comedy
escena scene
coro chorus
héroe hero
mito myth
mitología mythology
épica epic poetry
odisea odyssey
olimpíada Olympiad
atleta athlete
gimnasio gymnasium
estadio stadium
maratón marathon
hipódromo racecourse
discóbolo discus thrower
geografía geography
geología geology
biología biology
zoología zoology
botánica botany
astronomía astronomy
cosmos cosmos
planeta planet
galaxia galaxy
átomo atom
física physics
matemáticas mathematics
geometría geometry
diámetro diameter
perímetro perimeter
hipotenusa hypotenuse
símbolo symbol
método method
problema problem
sistema system
análisis analysis
síntesis synthesis
crisis crisis
diagnóstico diagnosis
terapia therapy
clínica clinic
farmacia pharmacy
anatomía anatomy
cardiología cardiology
neurología neurology
psicología psychology
psiquiatría psychiatry
epidemia epidemic
alergia allergy
trauma trauma
síntoma symptom
bacteria bacterium
órgano organ
helicóptero helicopter
teléfono telephone
micrófono microphone
fotografía photography
cinematografía cinematography
biblioteca library
biblia Bible
iglesia church
obispo bishop
diácono deacon
monje monk
ángel angel
demonio demon
eucaristía Eucharist
ortodoxo Orthodox
icono icon
iconostasio icon screen
bizantino Byzantine
Constantinopla Constantinople
heleno Greek, Hellenic
helenismo Hellenism
Atenas Athens
Esparta Sparta
macedonio Macedonian
egeo Aegean
jonio Ionian
dórico Doric
corintio Corinthian
ágora public square
acrópolis citadel
partenón Parthenon
laberinto labyrinth
sirena siren
néctar nectar
ambrosía food of the gods
moussaka eggplant and meat dish
musaka moussaka
tzatziki yogurt cucumber sauce
souvlaki meat skewer
gyros rotating grilled meat
feta Greek white cheese
ouzo anise spirit
retsina resinated wine
baklava layered sweet pastry

Haitian Creole Loanwords in Spanish

Haitian Creole, appears in Spanish mostly through Haiti’s history, Caribbean culture, Vodou religion, music, food, migration, literature, politics, and the legacy of French colonialism and African languages. Many Haitian terms reach Spanish through journalism, anthropology, music, migration communities, and cultural writing about the Caribbean. These words are especially useful when describing Port au Prince, Haitian Vodou, Creole identity, revolutionary history, traditional music, island cuisine, and the Haitian diaspora.

haitiano Haitian person or adjective
haitiana Haitian woman or adjective
haitianos Haitians
Haití Haiti
criollo haitiano Haitian Creole
creole haitiano Haitian Creole
kreyòl Haitian Creole language
ayisyen Haitian
patois haitiano Haitian Patois
lengua criolla Creole language
Puerto Príncipe Port au Prince
Port au Prince Port au Prince
Cap Haitien Cap Haïtien
Cabo Haitiano Cap Haïtien
Jacmel Jacmel
Gonaïves Gonaïves
Les Cayes Les Cayes
Jérémie Jérémie
Artibonite Artibonite
Petionville Pétion Ville
Cité Soleil Port au Prince neighborhood
Hispaniola Hispaniola island
La Española Hispaniola island
Saint Domingue French colonial Haiti
Santo Domingo francés French Saint Domingue
revolución haitiana Haitian Revolution
independencia haitiana Haitian independence
Toussaint Louverture Haitian revolutionary leader
Jean Jacques Dessalines Haitian independence leader
Henri Christophe Haitian king
Alexandre Pétion Haitian president
Citadelle Laferrière Haitian fortress
Sans Souci Haitian royal palace
marrón haitiano Haitian Maroon
cimarrón haitiano escaped enslaved person
neg mawon Maroon person
bois caïman Vodou ceremony linked to the revolution
Bwa Kayiman Bois Caïman
gourde Haitian currency
céntimo haitiano small Haitian currency unit
vodú Vodou religion
vudú Vodou religion
vodou Haitian Vodou
vudú haitiano Haitian Vodou
loa Vodou spirit
lwa Vodou spirit
houngan Vodou priest
mambo Vodou priestess
bokor Vodou sorcerer
oungan Vodou priest
hounsi Vodou initiate
peristilo Vodou temple space
peristil Vodou ceremonial space
vevé ritual Vodou symbol
asón sacred Vodou rattle
asson sacred Vodou rattle
rara Haitian festival music
petro Vodou ritual family
rada Vodou ritual family
guédé Vodou spirits of death
gede Vodou death spirit family
barón samedí Vodou spirit of the dead
Baron Samedi Vodou spirit of the dead
Maman Brigitte Vodou death spirit
Papa Legba Vodou gatekeeper spirit
Damballa Vodou serpent spirit
Ayida Wedo Vodou rainbow serpent spirit
Erzulie Vodou spirit of love
Ezili Vodou spirit of love
Ogou Vodou warrior spirit
Agwé Vodou sea spirit
Azaka Vodou agricultural spirit
Loko Vodou spirit of healing and trees
Marassa divine twins in Vodou
zombi reanimated corpse or controlled person
zombie zombie
zonbi zombie in Haitian Creole
gris gris protective charm
wanga magic charm or spell
paket kongo ritual Vodou packet
kanzo Vodou initiation
lakou traditional family compound
konbit collective work group
kombit communal labor
restavèk child domestic servant
tap tap Haitian shared taxi bus
madame sara market woman trader
machann vendor
mache market
ti moun child
gran moun adult
lakay home
zanmi friend
fanmi family
bonjou good morning
bonswa good evening
mèsi thank you
souple please
sak pase what is happening
nap boule we are managing
pa gen pwoblèm no problem
anpil a lot
ti small
gwo big
blan foreigner or white person
nèg person, man
moun person
kompa Haitian dance music
compas Haitian dance music
konpa Haitian popular music
mizik rasin roots music
rasin roots music style
twoubadou Haitian troubadour music
tumba francesa Afro Haitian dance tradition
yanvalou Vodou dance rhythm
petro rhythm Vodou drum rhythm
rada rhythm Vodou drum rhythm
tambor haitiano Haitian drum
tanbou drum
manman tanbou mother drum
segon second drum
boula small Vodou drum
ogan iron bell
vaksen bamboo trumpet
kone horn instrument
maraca haitiana Haitian rattle
canto vodou Vodou singing
danza vodou Vodou dance
carnaval haitiano Haitian carnival
kanaval carnival
rara de Semana Santa Easter season street music
desfile rara rara parade
arte haitiano Haitian art
pintura haitiana Haitian painting
arte naïf haitiano Haitian naïve art
drapo vodou Vodou flag
bandera vodou Vodou ceremonial flag
metal de Croix des Bouquets Haitian metal art
calabaza haitiana Haitian gourd craft
máscara haitiana Haitian mask
literatura haitiana Haitian literature
poesía haitiana Haitian poetry
cuento haitiano Haitian folktale
proverbio haitiano Haitian proverb
lodyans Haitian oral storytelling genre
krik krak storytelling call and response
spiralismo Haitian literary movement
negritud haitiana Haitian Black cultural movement
indigenismo haitiano Haitian cultural movement
créolité haitiana Haitian Creole identity movement
griot haitiano Haitian oral performer
diri ak pwa rice and beans
diri kole rice and beans cooked together
griot fried pork dish
griyo fried pork dish
pikliz spicy pickled vegetable relish
bannann peze fried pressed plantains
tostones haitianos Haitian fried plantains
soup joumou pumpkin soup
sopa joumou Haitian independence soup
tassot fried dried meat
taso fried dried meat
diri djon djon black mushroom rice
djon djon Haitian black mushroom
lambi conch
concha haitiana Haitian conch dish
akra malanga fritter
acra haitiano Haitian fritter
marinad fried savory fritter
pate haitiano Haitian patty
pate kòde Haitian stuffed fried pastry
pain patate sweet potato pudding
pen patat sweet potato pudding
dous makos Haitian layered fudge
tablet kokoye coconut sweet
kokiyòl fried sweet pastry
kasav cassava flatbread
mayi moulen cornmeal dish
sos pwa bean sauce
bouyon haitiano Haitian stew soup
ragú haitiano Haitian stew
legim vegetable stew
lalo jute leaf stew
kalalou okra dish
tomtom breadfruit mash
hareng saur smoked herring
arenque haitiano Haitian herring
pollo criollo haitiano Haitian Creole chicken
cabrito haitiano Haitian goat dish
ron haitiano Haitian rum
clairin Haitian cane spirit
kleren Haitian cane spirit
barbancourt Haitian rum reference
cremas Haitian creamy alcoholic drink
kremas Haitian cream liqueur
ponche crema haitiano Haitian cream punch
cola couronne Haitian soda
akasan corn drink
fresco haitiano Haitian shaved ice drink
café haitiano Haitian coffee
cacao haitiano Haitian cacao
mango haitiano Haitian mango
mango francique Haitian mango variety
aguacate haitiano Haitian avocado
plátano haitiano Haitian plantain
ñame haitiano Haitian yam
malanga haitiana Haitian taro
yuca haitiana Haitian cassava
batata haitiana Haitian sweet potato
caña de azúcar haitiana Haitian sugarcane
vetiver haitiano Haitian vetiver
aceite de vetiver vetiver oil
hibisco haitiano Haitian hibiscus
flor de cayena hibiscus flower
flamboyán haitiano Haitian flamboyant tree
palma real haitiana Haitian royal palm
trogón haitiano Haitian trogon
solenodonte haitiano Hispaniolan solenodon
jutía haitiana Hispaniolan hutia
iguana rinoceronte rhinoceros iguana
hutía Caribbean rodent
montañas de Haití Haitian mountains
Macizo de la Selle Haitian mountain range
Macizo del Norte northern Haitian mountains
Pico la Selle highest mountain in Haiti
lago Enriquillo Hispaniola lake
Golfo de la Gonâve Gulf of Gonâve
isla de la Gonâve Gonâve Island
Île à Vache Haitian island
costa haitiana Haitian coast
terremoto de Haití Haiti earthquake
misión en Haití Haiti mission
diáspora haitiana Haitian diaspora
haitianos en República Dominicana Haitians in the Dominican Repub

Hausa Loanwords in Spanish

Hausa related vocabulary in Spanish is usually connected with West Africa, Sahelian trade, Islam, oral literature, music, textiles, food, migration, and the history of northern Nigeria and Niger. Hausa has long served as a major regional language of commerce and communication across the Sahel, so many terms reflect markets, caravan routes, Islamic scholarship, emirates, craftsmanship, and urban culture. In Spanish, these words are most useful when describing Hausa identity, Kano, Sokoto, traditional clothing, praise poetry, leatherwork, food, and the cultural world linking Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Sudan.

hausa Hausa language or person
hausas Hausa people
pueblo hausa Hausa people
lengua hausa Hausa language
hausa fulani Hausa Fulani cultural group
Nigeria Nigeria
Níger Niger
Chad Chad
Camerún Cameroon
Ghana hausa Hausa communities in Ghana
norte de Nigeria northern Nigeria
Kano historic Hausa city
Kaduna northern Nigerian city
Sokoto Sokoto
Katsina Katsina
Zaria Zaria
Gobir historic Hausa state
Daura historic Hausa city
Biram legendary Hausa state
Rano historic Hausa state
Bauchi northern Nigerian city
Gombe northern Nigerian city
Maradi Nigerien Hausa city
Zinder Nigerien Hausa city
Agadez Sahelian caravan city
Sahel semi arid African region
sabana sudanesa Sudanian savanna
lago Chad Lake Chad
río Níger Niger River
califato de Sokoto Sokoto Caliphate
emirato de Kano Kano Emirate
emirato de Katsina Katsina Emirate
emirato de Zaria Zaria Emirate
ciudades estado hausa Hausa city states
sarkin king or ruler
sarki king
emir ruler, commander
emir hausa Hausa emir
mallam Islamic teacher
malam teacher, scholar
alfaquí hausa Hausa Islamic scholar
ulema Islamic scholars
madraza Islamic school
escuela coránica Quranic school
almajiri Quranic student
jihad de Sokoto Sokoto jihad
Usman dan Fodio founder of the Sokoto Caliphate
Fodio Hausa Fulani religious reformer
sharia Islamic law
sufismo hausa Hausa Sufism
tijaniyya Tijani Sufi order
qadiriyya Qadiri Sufi order
boko Western education
boko haram militant movement name
ajami Arabic based writing system
ajami hausa Hausa written in Arabic script
alfabeto hausa Hausa alphabet
ƙ Hausa letter q with hook
ɓ Hausa implosive b
ɗ Hausa implosive d
kasuwar market
kasuwar Kano Kano market
Kurmi historic Kano market
caravana hausa Hausa caravan
comercio transahariano trans Saharan trade
mercader hausa Hausa trader
diáspora hausa Hausa diaspora
gari town or city
birni walled city
kofar city gate
kofar mata city gate of Kano
muralla de Kano Kano city wall
arquitectura hausa Hausa architecture
barro hausa Hausa mud architecture
palacio del emir emir’s palace
dakin room or house
zaure entrance hall
tumbin giwa decorative Hausa building motif
indigo hausa Hausa indigo dye
adire hausa dyed textile
kano dye pits Kano dye pits
pozos de tinte de Kano Kano dye pits
tela hausa Hausa cloth
algodón hausa Hausa cotton
bordado hausa Hausa embroidery
babban riga large flowing robe
boubou hausa flowing robe
kaftán hausa Hausa kaftan
jalabiya long robe
fila hausa traditional cap
hula cap
tagelmust Sahelian veil
turbante hausa Hausa turban
zanna woven cap or cloth
lalle henna
henna hausa Hausa henna
abalorios hausa Hausa beadwork
cuero hausa Hausa leatherwork
bolsa hausa Hausa leather bag
sandalia hausa Hausa sandal
orfebrería hausa Hausa goldsmithing
herrero hausa Hausa blacksmith
griot hausa Hausa praise singer
maroki praise singer
mawaki singer
waka song or poem
waƙa song or poem
poesía hausa Hausa poetry
cuento hausa Hausa folktale
proverbio hausa Hausa proverb
tatsuniya folktale
kirari praise epithet
tambari praise name or emblem
tambor hausa Hausa drum
kalangu talking drum
tambor parlante talking drum
goje one string fiddle
kontigi lute like instrument
kakaki long ceremonial trumpet
algaita reed instrument
garaya two string lute
goge bowed fiddle
duma drum
música hausa Hausa music
danza hausa Hausa dance
bori spirit possession tradition
yan bori bori practitioners
espíritu bori bori spirit
maguzawa traditional Hausa religion followers
tsafi magic or traditional ritual
dodo spirit or masquerade figure
sallah Islamic festival prayer
eid hausa Hausa Eid
durbar royal horse parade
durbar de Kano Kano royal parade
caballo hausa Hausa horse
jinete hausa Hausa horseman
lucha hausa Hausa wrestling
kokowa traditional wrestling
dambe Hausa boxing
boxeo dambe traditional Hausa boxing
kokawa wrestling
suya spiced grilled meat
kilishi dried spiced meat
tuwo thick grain porridge
tuwo shinkafa rice swallow
tuwo masara maize swallow
miyan kuka baobab leaf soup
miyan taushe pumpkin soup
miyan zogale moringa leaf soup
miyan kubewa okra soup
fura da nono millet balls with milk
fura millet drink or balls
nono fermented milk
kunu grain drink
kunu zaki sweet grain drink
zobo hibiscus drink
masa rice cake
waina rice pancake
kosai bean fritter
akara hausa bean fritter
dan wake bean flour dumplings
dambu steamed grain dish
dambu nama shredded dried meat
alewa sweet candy
kulikuli peanut snack
maní hausa Hausa peanut
cacahuete del Sahel Sahelian peanut
sorgo hausa Hausa sorghum
mijo hausa Hausa millet
arroz jollof hausa Hausa style jollof rice
especias hausa Hausa spices
yaji suya spice mix
dawadawa fermented locust bean seasoning
baobab baobab tree
kuka baobab leaf
zogale moringa
karité shea tree or butter
goma arábiga gum arabic
camello saheliano Sahelian camel
cabras hausa Hausa goats
ganado fulani Fulani cattle

Hebrew Loanwords in Spanish

Hebrew has entered Spanish through religion, biblical tradition, Jewish history, philosophy, migration, modern Israel, food, politics, and cultural life. Some Hebrew origin words reached Spanish very early through Latin and Christian scripture, while others are connected with Sephardic history, Jewish communities, Zionism, Israeli society, and modern Hebrew. A number of these terms are now familiar in Spanish religious or historical language, while others remain strongly tied to Jewish and Israeli contexts.

amén amen
aleluya hallelujah
sábado Saturday, Sabbath
sabbat Sabbath
sabat Sabbath
pascua Passover, Easter
mesías messiah
querubín cherub
serafín seraph
edén Eden
maná manna
rabino rabbi
rabí rabbi
torá Torah
talmud Talmud
midrash rabbinic commentary
halajá Jewish religious law
cábala Kabbalah
kabalá Kabbalah
sionismo Zionism
sionista Zionist
Sion Zion
Israel Israel
israelí Israeli
Jerusalén Jerusalem
Tel Aviv Tel Aviv
Haifa Haifa
kibutz collective community
kibbutz collective community
moshav cooperative village
shéquel Israeli currency
séquel Israeli currency
agorá small currency unit
knesset Israeli parliament
aliyá Jewish immigration to Israel
diáspora dispersion, diaspora
shoá Holocaust
holocausto Holocaust
pogromo violent attack on Jews
sefardí Sephardic Jew
sefardita Sephardic Jew
asquenazí Ashkenazi Jew
mizrají Mizrahi Jew
ladino Judeo Spanish language
judeoespañol Judeo Spanish
yidis Yiddish language
sinagoga synagogue
janucá Hanukkah
hanukkah Hanukkah
pésaj Passover
purim Jewish festival
yom kipur Day of Atonement
rosh hashaná Jewish New Year
sucot Feast of Tabernacles
bar mitzvá coming of age ceremony for boys
bat mitzvá coming of age ceremony for girls
brit milá circumcision ceremony
kipá skullcap
kippah skullcap
talit prayer shawl
tefilín phylacteries
mezuzá doorpost scroll
menorá seven branched lamp
shofar ritual ram horn
kosher ritually permitted
casher ritually permitted
kashrut Jewish dietary law
jalá braided Sabbath bread
matzá unleavened bread
matzo unleavened bread
falafel fried chickpea balls
hummus chickpea spread
tahini sesame paste
shakshuka eggs in tomato sauce
sabich Israeli sandwich
labneh strained yogurt
halva sesame sweet
rugelach filled pastry
bagel ring shaped bread
klezmer Jewish musical tradition
hava nagila Jewish celebration song
ivrit modern Hebrew
hebreo Hebrew language
alefato Hebrew alphabet
alef first Hebrew letter
shalom peace, greeting
mazel tov congratulations
sababa great, cool
chutzpah boldness, nerve
gólem clay creature from Jewish legend
leviatán Leviathan
shemita sabbatical year
jubileo jubilee

Hindi Loanwords in Spanish

Hindi related vocabulary in Spanish is mostly connected with India, religion, philosophy, food, clothing, music, cinema, colonial history, and modern South Asian culture. Many words associated with Hindi reached Spanish through Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, English, or broader Indian cultural contact, so their path is often layered rather than direct. In Spanish texts, these terms appear especially when discussing Indian society, Hindu traditions, yoga, Bollywood, cuisine, textiles, and political history.

hindi Hindi language
indio Indian person or adjective
india Indian woman or adjective
India India
hindú Hindu person or adjective
hinduismo Hinduism
sánscrito Sanskrit
devanagari Devanagari script
brahmán Brahmin priest
casta caste
dalit oppressed caste group
paria outcast
rajá king, ruler
maharajá great king
raní queen
nawab Muslim ruler or noble
gurú spiritual teacher
sadhu holy man
swami religious teacher
yogui yogi
yoga yoga
asana yoga posture
pranayama breathing practice
mantra sacred formula
karma action, destiny
dharma cosmic law, duty
nirvana liberation from suffering
samsara cycle of rebirth
moksha spiritual liberation
puja worship ritual
ashram spiritual retreat
mandir Hindu temple
tilak forehead mark
bindi forehead dot
namasté greeting
avatar divine incarnation
mahatma great soul
satyagraha nonviolent resistance
ahimsa nonviolence
Gandhi Indian independence leader
Bollywood Hindi film industry
masala spice mixture
curry spiced dish or sauce
chutney spiced relish
dal lentils
naan flatbread
roti flatbread
chapati flatbread
paratha layered flatbread
puri fried bread
samosa filled fried pastry
pakora fried fritter
biryani spiced rice dish
tandoori cooked in a clay oven
tandoor clay oven
paneer fresh cheese
lassi yogurt drink
chai tea
masala chai spiced tea
ghee clarified butter
korma mild spiced stew
vindaloo spicy curry dish
raita yogurt sauce
poppadom thin crisp bread
papad thin crisp bread
jalebi syrup sweet
gulab jamun milk sweet in syrup
barfi milk sweet
ladoó round sweet
paan betel leaf preparation
sari traditional women’s garment
shalwar kameez traditional outfit
kurta long tunic
dhoti men’s wrapped garment
lehenga long embroidered skirt
dupatta long scarf
pagri turban
mehndi henna body decoration
henna henna dye
rupee Indian currency
rupia rupee
paisa small currency unit
bazar market
bungaló bungalow
pijama pajamas
champú shampoo
jungla jungle
tigre tiger
mangosta mongoose
chacal jackal
bandana printed cloth
catamarán multi hulled boat
cipayo sepoy soldier
raj británico British rule in India
maharashtra Indian state
Uttar Pradesh Indian state
Delhi Delhi
Nueva Delhi New Delhi
Benarés Varanasi
Varanasi Varanasi
Ganges Ganges River

Icelandic Loanwords in Spanish

Icelandic related vocabulary reaches Spanish mainly through the medieval North Atlantic world, Norse literature, volcanic landscapes, sagas, mythology, fishing culture, modern Icelandic society, and Arctic tourism. Its direct presence is small, but Iceland has given Spanish speakers a set of recognizable cultural and geographical terms, especially when discussing Vikings, glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, folklore, and the island’s literary heritage.

islandés Icelandic language or person
islandesa Icelandic woman or adjective
islandeses Icelanders
Islandia Iceland
Reikiavik Reykjavík
Reykjavík Reykjavík
Akureyri Akureyri
Keflavík Keflavík
Althing Icelandic parliament
althing national assembly
króna Icelandic currency
corona islandesa Icelandic króna
eyrir small currency unit
vikingo Viking
nórdico antiguo Old Norse
saga medieval prose narrative
saga islandesa Icelandic saga
Edda Old Norse literary work
edda poética Poetic Edda
edda prosaica Prose Edda
skald Norse poet
escaldo Norse court poet
runa rune
alfabeto rúnico runic alphabet
thing assembly
jarl Norse noble
berserker frenzied warrior
valquiria Valkyrie
drakkar Viking longship
landnám settlement of Iceland
landnáma Book of Settlements
skyr Icelandic dairy product
hákarl fermented shark
harðfiskur dried fish
plokkfiskur mashed fish stew
hangikjöt smoked lamb
rúgbrauð Icelandic rye bread
kleina fried pastry
brennivín Icelandic caraway spirit
pylsa Icelandic hot dog
geyser hot spring eruption
géiser hot spring eruption
Geysir Icelandic geyser
glaciar islandés Icelandic glacier
Vatnajökull large Icelandic glacier
Eyjafjallajökull Icelandic volcano glacier
jökull glacier
foss waterfall
Gullfoss Icelandic waterfall
Dettifoss Icelandic waterfall
laguna glaciar glacial lagoon
Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon
Hekla Icelandic volcano
Katla Icelandic volcano
Askja Icelandic volcano
fumarola volcanic steam vent
campo de lava lava field
aurora boreal northern lights
sol de medianoche midnight sun
fiordo islandés Icelandic fjord
fiordo occidental Westfjord
Westfjords Icelandic western fjords
tundra islandesa Icelandic tundra
frailecillo puffin
caballo islandés Icelandic horse
tölt Icelandic horse gait
oveja islandesa Icelandic sheep
zorro ártico Arctic fox
elfo islandés Icelandic elf
huldufólk hidden people
trol troll
draugr Norse ghost
yule lads Icelandic Christmas figures
jólasveinar Icelandic Yule Lads
jól Christmas
þorrablót midwinter feast
thorrablot midwinter feast
lopapeysa Icelandic wool sweater
lana islandesa Icelandic wool
sæmundur Icelandic legendary scholar
sagas nórdicas Norse sagas