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

• French Words
• Japanese Words
• Latin Words
• Spanish Words
• Hebrew 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 French, German, Spanish, 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 trade, immigration, 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 ballet, café, and à la carte are commonly used.

Common French Words in English:

• Cuisine: Croissant, menu, restaurant
• Fashion: Haute couture, chic, couture
• Art: Avant-garde, genre, palette

Japanese Words

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

Common Japanese Words in English:

• Technology: Emoji, karaoke
• Cuisine: Sushi, teriyaki, tofu
• Martial Arts: Judo, karate, aikido

Latin Words

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

Common Latin Words in English:

• Legal Terms: Subpoena, affidavit, habeas corpus
• Medical Terms: Appendix, virus, cirrhosis
• Scientific Terms: Species, formula, quantum

Spanish Words

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

Common Spanish Words in English:

• Cuisine: Taco, burrito, salsa
• Everyday Words: Plaza, patio, siesta
• Terms of Endearment: Amigo, señor, señorita

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

Namaste Meaning

Nirvana Meaning