Foreign Words in English

Understanding how English borrows words from other languages is one of the most fascinating ways to expand your vocabulary. Loanwords are words that English has taken from other languages, keeping their original form or making only small changes. Native speakers adapt these words to fit their own sound system — their own group of phonemes — so they can pronounce them more naturally. Knowing where these words come from helps you recognize patterns, improve pronunciation, and feel more confident using them in everyday conversation.

What are French loanwords in English?

French has contributed a large number of words to English. Many of them appear in formal and everyday contexts alike.

• Heritage: the traditions and culture passed down through generations. "We should preserve our cultural heritage." [0:44]
• Bon voyage: a French farewell wishing someone a safe trip. "Bon voyage! Have a safe trip!" [0:52]
• Champagne: a sparkling wine used for celebrations. "We bought a bottle of champagne to celebrate our anniversary." [1:00]
• Cliché: something that is overused and unoriginal. "Proposing at a basketball game is such a cliché." [1:09]
• Déjà vu: the sensation that you have already experienced something before. "I had a strong sense of déjà vu when I entered the room." [1:18]
• Detour: an alternative route to avoid an obstacle. "We took a detour to avoid traffic." [1:30]
• Fiancé: the person you are engaged to marry. "Adam is my fiancé. We are getting married in June." [1:37]
• RSVP: stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît," meaning "respond please." You see it on every invitation. [1:44]

Which Italian, Spanish, and Nahuatl words does English use?

Italian loanwords

Italian has given English words related to art, music, drama, and even science. [1:58]

• Volcano: "The worst volcano eruption in Italy happened in 1631."
• Fiasco: a complete failure. "The show was a complete fiasco."
• Finale: the last part of a show or season. "Are you watching the season finale?"
• Scenario: an imagined situation. "Worst case scenario, we retake the test."
• Diva: someone acting in a demanding or dramatic way. "Stop acting like a diva."
• Paparazzi: photographers who follow famous people. "She is being followed by paparazzi." [2:30]
• Quarantine: mandatory isolation during a health emergency. "The government announced mandatory quarantine because of the pandemic." [2:39]

Spanish and Nahuatl loanwords

Spanish contributed everyday words like ranch, tornado, vanilla, burrito, jalapeño, salsa, taco, and mosquito [2:48]. Notably, salsa works as both a sauce and a dance style in English.

Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs in Mexico, gave English words you probably use all the time [3:24]:

• Avocado and guacamole: "We need some avocados to prepare guacamole."
• Tomato: "Sun-dried tomatoes can be used in salads, pastas, and more."
• Chocolate: "I like to have hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows when it's cold." [3:42]

How have Japanese loanwords entered English?

Japanese has contributed words connected to pop culture, food, martial arts, and philosophy. [3:51]

• Anime: Japanese animation. "My big brother introduced me to anime."
• Emoji: a small digital image used in messages. "He added a wink emoji to show that he was joking."
• Karaoke: singing along to recorded music. "I wish they had a karaoke machine so I could sing my favorite song."
• Karate: a martial art. "She's a black belt in karate."
• Sushi: a Japanese dish made with rice and fish. "I would love to try this delicious homemade sushi recipe for date night." [4:18]
• Tsunami: a massive ocean wave caused by an earthquake.
• Zen: a state of calm and mindfulness. "Don't worry about being perfect, be more zen." [4:33]

Now it is your turn — pick 10 example sentences from the ones above, record yourself saying them out loud, and share your recording in the comment section. Which loanword surprised you the most?