The Spanish language is a rich tapestry woven from many threads, with one of the most significant sources being Arabic words in Spanish. This influence originates from the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century, a transformative period that lasted nearly 800 years.
The impact of Arabic on Spanish culture, architecture, and, most notably, language, has left a lasting legacy. During this time, countless beautiful Arabic words found their way into Spanish, creating a unique fusion that continues to fascinate linguists and historians alike.
The long presence of Muslim rule in Spain meant that Arabic was not just a language of the elite but also a common tongue in everyday life. From academic terms to items found in households and words that describe natural elements, the influence of Arabic is profound and far-reaching.
This listicle aims to explore the connections between Arabic and Spanish by highlighting some of the most commonly used Arabic words in Spanish. These words span various categories, from food and drink to mathematics and architecture. They serve as a reminder of the historical ties between the two cultures and the way language evolves through cultural exchange.
Understanding the shared Arabic words in Spanish helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of the Spanish language. It also highlights the enduring nature of Arabic and its ability to integrate into different cultures, even across vast distances and over many centuries.
As you read through this list, you will see how the Arabic words in Spanish reflect a blend of linguistic and cultural elements that have become an integral part of the Spanish-speaking world.
35 Shared Arabic Words in Spanish
#1 Aceite Derived from Arabic “az-zayt,” this Spanish word translates to oil.
#2 Aceituna From Arabic “az-zaytūn,” this Spanish word means olive.
#3 Almohada The Spanish term for pillow, which comes from Arabic “al-mukhadda.”
#4 Flor The word for flower in Spanish, derived from Arabic “fulūrah.”
#5 Arroz This Spanish word for rice has roots in the Arabic “ar-ruzz.”
#6 Tambor Derived from Arabic “ṭanbūr,” this Spanish word means drum.
#7 Azafrán From Arabic “az-za’farān,” meaning saffron.
#8 Azúcar Derived from Arabic “as-sukkar,” meaning sugar.
#9 Berenjena This Spanish word for eggplant comes from Arabic “al-bāḏinjān.”
#10 Pobre Derived from Arabic “faqr,” which means poor.
#11 Jarra From Arabic “jarrah,” referring to a jar or container.
#12 Limón This word for lemon in Spanish has roots in the Arabic “laymūn.”
#13 Jazmín Derived from Arabic “yāsamīn,” meaning jasmine.
#14 Castillo This Spanish word for castle comes from Arabic “qasr.”
#15 Comino From Arabic “kamūn,” this Spanish word means cumin.
#16 Molino Derived from Arabic “mīna,” referring to a mill.
#17 Café This word for coffee in Spanish comes from Arabic “qahwa.”
#18 Algebra From Arabic “al-jabr,” meaning the restoration.
#19 Alcalde Derived from Arabic “al-qāḍī,” which refers to a judge or magistrate.
#20 Alcohol Derived from Arabic “al-kuḥl,” originally referring to a cosmetic powder.
#21 Naranja Derived from Arabic “nāranj,” this Spanish word means orange.
#22 Almuerzo From Arabic “al-murzza,” meaning lunch.
#23 Albornoz Derived from Arabic “al-burnūs,” referring to a type of cloak.
#24 Almacén From Arabic “al-makhzan,” meaning warehouse or storehouse.
#25 Alfiler Derived from Arabic “al-filil,” meaning needle or pin.
#26 Alhaja Derived from Arabic “al-hajā,” meaning jewel.
#27 Atún From Arabic “al-tūn,” meaning tuna.
#28 Arco Derived from Arabic “ʿarqū,” meaning bow or arc.
#29 Alhaja From Arabic “al-hajā,” referring to a jewel or ornament.
#30 Almazara Derived from Arabic “al-masara,” meaning olive press.
#31 Acequia From Arabic “as-saqiya,” meaning irrigation canal.
#32 Zanahoria Derived from Arabic “safūria,” referring to a carrot.
#33 Alacrán Derived from Arabic “al-‘aqrab,” meaning scorpion.
#34 Alhambra Derived from Arabic “al-ḥamrā’,” referring to the famous palace in Granada.
#35 Ajedrez From Arabic “aš-šaṭranj,” referring to chess.
The 35 Arabic words in Spanish we’ve discussed represent just a fraction of the Arabic influence on Spanish. These words are a testament to the historical connections and the profound impact the Muslim conquest had on the Iberian Peninsula.
The Arabic words in Spanish cover a wide range of subjects, from food and everyday objects to mathematics and governance. This broad scope demonstrates the lasting influence of Arabic, showing how deeply it has been integrated into Spanish culture and language.
As we’ve explored these Arabic words in Spanish, it’s clear that their significance goes beyond simple vocabulary. Each word carries with it a story of cultural exchange, a blending of traditions, and a journey through history. These words remind us that languages are living entities, constantly evolving and adapting as they come into contact with different cultures and ideas.
The influence of Arabic on Spanish is a fascinating subject for language enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in the intersections of cultures. The shared Arabic words in Spanish not only offer a glimpse into the past but also highlight the ongoing connections between the Spanish-speaking world and the rich heritage of Arabic.
By learning about these shared words, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and beauty of language, as well as a greater appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Arabic language.
