Foreign Words

Foreign words can be fascinating. They give us a window into other cultures, offering meanings and concepts that might not exist in our own language. Many of these words have no direct English equivalent, making them unique and enriching to learn

Sub-Pages of Foreign Words

What Are Foreign Words?

Foreign words are terms from one language that are used in another language without translation.

Many of these words come from FrenchGermanSpanish, and other languages.

Example: The French word “café” is commonly used in English to mean a coffee shop.

Foreign words often enter a language through tradeimmigration, or cultural exchange.

Foreign words may keep their original spelling and pronunciation or adapt to the new language. They enrich the language and add flavor and variety to everyday speech.

Common Foreign Words in English

French Words

French has greatly influenced English, especially in areas related to culture, cuisine, and art. Words like balletcafé, and à la carte are commonly used.

Common French Words in English:

  • CuisineCroissantmenurestaurant
  • FashionHaute couturechiccouture
  • ArtAvant-gardegenrepalette

Japanese Words

Japanese words often enter English through cultural phenomena such as anime, technology, and martial arts. Terms like karaoketsunami, and sushi are well known.

Common Japanese Words in English:

  • TechnologyEmojikaraoke
  • CuisineSushiteriyakitofu
  • Martial ArtsJudokarateaikido

Latin Words

Latin, primarily through legal, medical, and scientific terms, has a foundational role in English. Words like status quoet cetera, and versus are standard.

Common Latin Words in English:

  • Legal TermsSubpoenaaffidavithabeas corpus
  • Medical TermsAppendixviruscirrhosis
  • Scientific TermsSpeciesformulaquantum

Spanish Words

Spanish influences English in many areas, especially in the United States. Words like plazafiesta, and siesta are frequently used.

Common Spanish Words in English:

  • CuisineTacoburritosalsa
  • Everyday WordsPlazapatiosiesta
  • Terms of EndearmentAmigoseñorseñorita

Mandarin vs. Cantonese

Mandarin vs. Cantonese

List of Foreign Words in English

French Words

  • Bonjour – Hello
  • Merci – Thank you
  • Amour – Love
  • Chat – Cat
  • Chien – Dog
  • Maison – House
  • École – School
  • Pomme – Apple
  • Livre – Book
  • Eau – Water
  • Fromage – Cheese
  • Pain – Bread
  • Vin – Wine
  • Voiture – Car
  • Jardin – Garden
  • Soleil – Sun
  • Lune – Moon
  • Mer – Sea
  • Montagne – Mountain
  • Fleur – Flower

Japanese Words

  • Sushi
  • Ramen
  • Tofu
  • Manga
  • Haiku
  • Karaoke
  • Origami
  • Geisha
  • Kimono
  • Sake
  • Tempura
  • Teriyaki
  • Wasabi
  • Anime

Latin Words

  • Salve – Hello
  • Gratias – Thank you
  • Amor – Love
  • Felis – Cat
  • Canis – Dog
  • Domus – House
  • Schola – School
  • Malum – Apple
  • Liber – Book
  • Aqua – Water
  • Caseus – Cheese
  • Panis – Bread
  • Vinum – Wine
  • Carrus – Car
  • Hortus – Garden
  • Sol – Sun
  • Luna – Moon
  • Mare – Sea
  • Mons – Mountain
  • Flos – Flower

Spanish Words

  • Hola – Hello
  • Gracias – Thank you
  • Amor – Love
  • Gato – Cat
  • Perro – Dog
  • Casa – House
  • Escuela – School
  • Manzana – Apple
  • Libro – Book
  • Agua – Water
  • Queso – Cheese
  • Pan – Bread
  • Vino – Wine
  • Coche – Car
  • Jardín – Garden
  • Sol – Sun
  • Luna – Moon
  • Mar – Sea
  • Montaña – Mountain
  • Flor – Flower

Infographics of Common Foreign Words in English

Sifu Meaning

Sifu Meaning

Namaste Meaning

Namaste Meaning

Nirvana Meaning

Nirvana Meaning