Foreign Words in English

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What are foreign words in English?

Languages, like a river in constant movement, are enriched and evolve with external influences. English is no exception, absorbing words from diverse origins, known as loanwords. These terms are incorporated into the language, often with minimal modifications, allowing native speakers to pronounce them more naturally.

What are some English words that come from French?

French has significantly influenced English, leaving a legacy of words that we use in our day-to-day lives. Consider the following:

Heritage: "We must preserve our cultural heritage."
Bon voyage: "Bon voyage! Have a safe trip."
Champagne: "We bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate our anniversary."
Cliché: "Proposing marriage at a basketball game is such a cliche."
Déjà vu: That familiar feeling of having experienced something before. Example: "I had a strong sense of déjà vu as I walked into the room."
Detour: "We took a detour to avoid traffic."
Fiancé: "Adam is my fiancé. We got married in June."
R.S.V.P.: This term often appears on invitations and means répondez s'il vous plaît or "respond, please."

What Italian words are used in English?

Italian adds a distinctive touch with words that evoke vivid images and cultural experiences:

Volcano: "The worst volcano eruption in Italy occurred in 1631."
Fiasco: "The show was a complete fiasco."
Finale: "Are you watching the season finale?"
Scenario: "Worst case scenario, we pick up the exam."
Opera: "Have you listened to the opera 'Carmen'?"
Diva: "Stop acting like a diva."
Paparazzi: "She's being followed by the paparazzi because she's famous."
Quarantine: "The government announced mandatory quarantine because of the pandemic."

What influence does Spanish have on English words?

Spanish has left its mark on the English language, especially in terms related to nature and culture:

Ranch: "They work on a ranch in Montana."
Tornado: " Tornadoes are common in the spring."
Vanilla: "My favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla."
Burrito: "Would you like a breakfast burrito?"
Jalapeño and Salsa: "I'd like nachos topped with cheese and jalapeños on top. Salsa is both a salsa and a dance."
Taco: "Where can I find the best tacos in town?"
Mosquito: "A mosquito just bit me."

What words come from Nahuatl?

Nahuatl, a language of Aztec origin, has offered words that have been globalized with English:

Avocado and Guacamole: "We need avocados to make guacamole."
Tomato: " Sun dried tomatoes can be used in salads, pastas and more."
Chocolate: "I like to have hot chocolate with marshmallows when it's cold."

What English terms come from Japanese?

Japanese introduces unique concepts and experiences to the English vocabulary:

Anime: "My older brother introduced me to anime."
Emoji: "He added a wink emoji to show he was joking."
Karaoke: "I wish they had a karaoke machine to sing my favorite song."
Karate: "He's a black belt in karate."
Ninja: "A ninja is a Japanese fighter."
Sushi: "I would love to try this delicious homemade sushi recipe for a date."
Tsunami: "They lost their house in the tsunami."
Zen: "Don't worry about being perfect, be more Zen."

Explore and practice these borrowed words in your daily life and share your progress. As always, constant practice and genuine interest are your most valuable allies in this journey of linguistic knowledge.Go for it!

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Vivian Morales

2 years ago

WOW! I’m learning a lot! Thank you teacher! 😊

Celeste Sierra

2 years ago

https://voca.ro/1kAUiDsvr5dg - recording

Kevin Fiorentino

2 years ago

English in a language conformed by several others languages. Another word that come from France is “entrepreneur”. I liked this class!

crondast

2 years ago

You can listen to my recording, playing it here.

Proposing at a basketball game is such a cliché.
I had a strong sense of déjà vu when I entered the room.
Worst-case scenario, we retake the text.
Have you heard the opera “Carmen”?
Stop acting like a diva!
She is being followed by the paparazzi because she’s famous.
A mosquito just bit me!
I would love to try this delicious homemade sushi recipe for date night!
Tornadoes are common in springtime.
They lost their house in the tsunami.

Juan manuel

6 months ago

**JAPANESSE** 1. **Tsunami**: The tsunami's devastating impact underscored the necessity for rigorous coastal defenses. 2. **Zen**: Achieving Zen requires a profound commitment to mindfulness and self-awareness. 3. **Karaoke**: Karaoke fosters a unique blend of camaraderie and self-expression in social settings. 4. **Karate**: Karate cultivates discipline and resilience, shaping both body and mind. 5. **Anime**: Anime's intricate narratives often explore existential themes and cultural nuances. 6. **Emoji**: Emojis enhance digital communication by conveying emotions that words alone may fail to express. \---------------------------- ESPAÑOL: 1. **Tomato**: The tomato is essential in cuisine, providing freshness and acidity to numerous dishes. 2. **Chocolate**: Chocolate, regarded as a delicacy, has been studied for its positive effects on mood. 3. **Guacamole**: Guacamole, with its creamy texture and distinctive flavor, is an indispensable accompaniment in Mexican cuisine. 4. **Avocado**: Avocado, rich in healthy fats, has become a staple in balanced diets. 5. **Mosquito**: The mosquito, a vector for various diseases, poses a significant challenge to public health. 6. **Taco**: The taco, versatile and flavorful, reflects the rich cultural diversity of Mexican cuisine. 7. **Jalapeño**: The jalapeño, with its characteristic heat, adds a vibrant touch to a variety of dishes. 8. **Salsa**: Salsa, in its many variations, is fundamental for enhancing flavors in cooking. 9. **Vanilla**: Vanilla, prized for its aroma and flavor, is a key ingredient in gourmet baking. 10. **Burrito**: The burrito, wrapped in a tortilla, is a hearty option that combines flavors and textures. 11. **Tornado**: The tornado, a devastating meteorological phenomenon, can cause massive destruction in minutes. 12. **Ranch**: The ranch, a symbol of rural life, represents a lifestyle in harmony with nature. \------------------------------------- ITALIAM: 1. **Paparazzi**: The paparazzi, often intrusive, blur the lines between celebrity privacy and public fascination. 2. **Quarantine**: Quarantine measures, though disruptive, are essential for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. 3. **Opera**: Opera combines music, drama, and visual art, creating a profound emotional experience for its audience. 4. **Diva**: The diva, known for her extraordinary talent, often commands both admiration and controversy in the industry. 5. **Scenario**: The hypothetical scenario presented in the meeting sparked a lively debate about potential outcomes. 6. **Finale**: The grand finale of the performance left the audience in awe, encapsulating the essence of the entire production. 7. **Fiasco**: The event turned into a fiasco due to poor planning and unexpected circumstances, leaving attendees disappointed. 8. **Volcano**: The volcano's eruption served as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictable and often destructive power. \------------------------------------ FRENCH 1. **RSVP**: It is crucial to RSVP to the wedding invitation to ensure proper accommodations for all guests. 2. **Fiancé**: Her fiancé, a talented architect, has been instrumental in planning their dream home. 3. **Déjà vu**: The feeling of déjà vu overwhelmed him as he walked through the familiar streets of his childhood. 4. **Detour**: The unexpected detour added an hour to our journey, yet it unveiled stunning landscapes along the way. 5. **Bon voyage**: As they boarded the plane, their friends wished them a heartfelt bon voyage filled with adventure. 6. **Heritage**: Preserving cultural heritage is vital for maintaining identity and continuity across generations.