You in all probability already discover the variety of phrases in English just a little dizzying, however do you know that lots of them really got here from different languages? Perhaps even from your language?
Which means some phrases will likely be very easy so that you can study, so you’ll be able to shortly broaden your English vocabulary.
Let’s discover 45 widespread phrases that English “took” from different languages.
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From French
In some methods, English, French and German are virtually like three siblings who grew up collectively. Every language influenced the opposite two ultimately, however one of many largest influences on English was French.
In truth, from the ninth century till the 14th century, a type of French was even the “official” language within the courts of England! Throughout these years, the widespread (non-royal) folks spoke an older type of English, whereas the kings, queens and members of the courtroom spoke French. And to make it extra complicated, most paperwork had been written in Latin.
As you’ll be able to think about, there was numerous mixing between these languages. So let’s have a look at some fascinating English phrases that also “look French.”
Yet another observe: Make sure you hearken to the pronunciations for these originally-French phrases. Many are in all probability stated in another way than you may count on!
1. Artwork
The phrase “artwork” originated from the Latin ars which initially meant “ability” or “craft”. It got here to English by way of Previous French.
Instance:
She enjoys summary artwork.
2. Beef
“Beef” got here to English from the Previous French phrase boef. However that’s not the one meat identify with French origins! “Mutton,” “veal” and “pork” are all considered derived from Previous French.
Instance:
Reduce the beef into slices and serve it with the sauce.
3. Ballet
It is a type of dance that developed in France.
Take into account that you don’t pronounce the “t” on the finish. As a substitute, the second syllable ought to sound like “lay,” with the identical vowel sound because the letter “a.”
Instance:
My niece and nephew are in ballet class, so I watched their 5-hour ballet efficiency on Saturday. It was fairly lengthy.
4. Cafe
It’s written each with the accent mark (“café”) and with out it (“cafe”) in English.
“Cafe” comes from the French phrase for “espresso,” however it’s additionally very comparable the phrase for espresso in lots of different languages.
Instance:
I’ve solely acquired about 20 minutes for lunch, so I’ll simply cease at a cafe for a fast sandwich.
5. Nation
Initially from Latin, the English phrase “nation” probably comes most straight from the Previous French phrase cuntree.
Instance:
I favor to reside in a sizzling nation.
6. Croissant
A croissant is a kind of pastry or bread that’s gentle and flaky. An analogous sort of bread in English is a “crescent roll.”
Instance:
Tina actually likes to make croissants as a result of they style higher than different sorts of bread.
7. Dance
The phrase “Dance” probably comes from the Previous French verb dancier which suggests “to bounce”.
Instance:
He danced her throughout the ground.
8. Dragon
An terrible lot of animal names (legendary and in any other case) could be traced again to French, however let’s face details: “dragon” is probably the most enjoyable. Different animals who owe their names to French embody griffin, phoenix, dolphin, squirrel and extra. You may guess which of them are actual.
Instance:
A dragon guarded the treasure.
9. Entrepreneur
An “entrepreneur” is an individual who begins their very own firm. Different widespread types of the phrase embody “entrepreneurship” (a noun) or “entrepreneurial” (an adjective).
Instance:
Elon Musk, the person who began SpaceX and Tesla Motors, is likely one of the most well-known entrepreneurs on this planet.
10. Fake pas
This phrase describes making a social mistake. It has a number of silent letters, together with the “x” and the “s.”
Should you make a “fake pas”, then the error often isn’t very huge and doesn’t harm anybody bodily, however it might probably make folks uncomfortable.
Instance:
I dedicated a fairly large fake pas final evening. I stored attempting to supply Maria beers, however I fully forgot that she stopped consuming alcohol three years in the past!
11. Fruit
The phrase “fruit” handed by way of Previous French (as fruges) earlier than making its approach to English.
Instance:
We have now a fruit bowl on the desk.
12. Style
In French, this phrase means “variety” or “fashion.” In English, it’s used to explain a class of one thing, particularly when speaking about leisure.
You’ll particularly hear folks utilizing this phrase to speak about books, films and music.
Instance:
Roy likes many sorts of music, however his favourite style is heavy metallic.
13. Hors d’oeuvre
These are small bits of meals which can be served at particular occasions, often events. They’re similar to appetizers, however appetizers are often served earlier than a bigger meal.
Instance:
We had been invited to Tina and Roy’s engagement social gathering. We anticipated a giant meal, however there have been solely hors d’oeuvres. That was okay, although, since we weren’t that hungry.
14. Liberty
It means to be free to decide on, suppose and act as you want. Whereas “liberty” is a well-liked phrase within the US, it isn’t an authentic English phrase. It originated from Latin libertas (“freedom”) earlier than passing by way of Previous French liberté.
Instance:
He misplaced his liberty privileges and, with them, his equilibrium.
15. Lingerie
That is used to explain girls’s underwear or sleepwear that’s often horny or particular ultimately.
Instance:
Today, earlier than some girls get married, their buddies give them a “lingerie bathe.” That’s when the lady’s buddies all get collectively and provides her lingerie as a marriage present.
16. Music
The origins of “music” return to Greek and Latin, however earlier than hitting the English language, it handed by way of Previous French as musique.
Instance:
What sort of music are you listening to?
17. Individuals
The Latin phrase populus reworked into the Anglo-Norman French phrase poeple, which later turned the English phrase “folks.” My, how far we’ve come.
Instance:
Round 108 billion folks have ever lived on our planet.
18. Renaissance
In French, this implies “rebirth,” however in English it’s usually used to explain the historic interval between 1300 and 1600 when artwork and science developed lots.
Instance:
I don’t know a lot about artwork, however I do know that Michelangelo and Raphael had been two of probably the most well-known artists from the Renaissance interval.
19. Rendezvous
In English, this phrase is used to explain both a spot the place folks plan to satisfy, or the motion of assembly an individual at a selected time.
Instance:
We’re in a brand new metropolis, and I’m positive you all need to discover it a bit. It’s 2:00 now, so let’s rendezvous again right here at 6:00. Then we’ll go to dinner.
20. Very
Sure, even a easy phrase like “very” got here by way of French. It probably originated with the Previous French phrase verai, which meant “true.”
Instance:
It’s very probably that he’ll be a part of us on this journey.
That’s not a complete checklist and there are nonetheless extra English phrases and phrases that come from French.
From German
As I already defined, numerous German phrases are additionally utilized in English.
21. Delicatessen
A “delicatessen” (abbreviated “deli”) is a store the place you will get sandwiches, espresso and different small meals. This comes from the German phrase Delikatessen, which suggests “positive/fancy meals,” however in English it simply describes the place the place you should purchase these meals.
Among the most well-known delis are in New York, together with Katz’s Delicatessen.
Instance:
Delicatessens was extra widespread in New York, however many are going out of enterprise.
22. Fest
A “fest” is any form of social gathering, celebration or pageant. In each English and German, it’s generally used as a suffix (a phrase half added to the top of a phrase), and the commonest one is Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest formally occurs yearly in Munich, Germany, however many different cities have their very own Oktoberfests.
Instance:
We went to Oktoberfest in Munich, it was loopy. There have been so many individuals, and all of them had been drunk!
23. Gesundheit
In German, this phrase means “well being.” Particularly in the USA, folks usually say “Gesundheit!” as a response when somebody sneezes (others usually say “bless you”).
Instance:
Once I sneezed, my aunt stated “Gesundheit!”
24. Hamburger
A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of fillings—often a patty of floor meat, usually beef—positioned inside a sliced bun. This conventional American cookout meals really comes from the identify of the German metropolis, Hamburg.
Instance:
They served sizzling canine and hamburgers on the cookout.
25. Kindergarten
Translated actually, this phrase means “youngsters’s backyard.” It’s a standard sort of faculty in lots of elements of the world. Kids usually go to a yr or two of kindergarten after they’re 5 years previous earlier than they begin elementary college.
Instance:
Our daughter goes to show 5 subsequent yr, so we’ve been looking for a very good kindergarten for her.
26. Neanderthal
Neanderthals had been people like us, however they had been a definite species known as Homo neanderthalensis. The phrase “Neanderthal” comes from one other German place identify. Thal used to imply “valley,” although now it’s spelled as Tal. Subsequently, Neanderthal refers back to the “Neander Valley,” which is the place a number of the first fossils of Neanderthals had been found.
It’s now utilized in English when somebody may be very old style and never keen to vary.
Instance:
They had been pushed again by Neanderthal safety guards.
27. Nix
This comes from the German phrase Nichts, which means “nothing.” So the following time you ask your server to nix the ketchup in your hamburger, you’ve simply used two German phrases and one Chinese language phrase!
Instance:
I wished to get the break day, however my supervisor nixed it.
28. Poodle
Everybody is aware of the phrase “dachshund” comes from German, however they’re not the one German canine on the block. This canine identify initially got here from the Low German phrase puddeln, which means “splash in water.”
Instance:
My pal’s poodle is the very best canine I do know!
29. Waltz
A “waltz” is a kind of formal dance. The phrase can be used to explain the kind of music that performs throughout these dances, and it can be used as a verb to explain the motion of dancing this dance.
Instance:
My buddies say that dancing the waltz is straightforward, however I can’t do it. I’m simply not coordinated, and everybody says I’ve “two left toes.”
30. Rucksack
A rucksack is one other identify for a backpack. “Ruck” comes from the German phrase Rücken (again) and sack is one other German phrase which suggests both “bag” or, as you in all probability guessed, “sack.”
Instance:
Alan goes to journey to Europe this summer season, however he’s planning on solely taking one rucksack. He’ll must pack rigorously if he needs all the pieces to suit!
For much more phrases like this, try this text with 76 different German loanwords.
From Yiddish
You could not have ever heard of Yiddish, however it’s a Germanic language that was widespread amongst Jewish folks in Jap Europe. Immediately it’s principally spoken in Israel, Jap Europe and a few elements of the USA the place Jewish households settled however is an endangered language.
Due to historic immigration, some Yiddish phrases could also be extra widespread in American English than in British English. Additionally, since it’s a Germanic language, many Yiddish phrases are comparable and even the identical as German phrases.
31. Glitch
A “glitch” describes a small downside, however often it’s an issue that doesn’t make it inconceivable to complete one thing.
Instance:
I deliberate to go downtown to satisfy with Betty, however I ran right into a glitch: The bus wasn’t operating as a result of it was a vacation. So I took a taxi as an alternative.
32. Klutz
A “klutz” is an individual who may be very uncoordinated or clumsy. In different phrases, klutzes usually have accidents and break issues.
Instance:
My cousin Charlotte is an actual klutz. Each time she goes right into a memento store, she at all times appears to interrupt two or three issues, after which she has to pay for them!
33. Spiel
In Yiddish (and German), this phrase can imply “play,” however in English it’s used to explain a fast speech or story which has often been stated/advised many occasions. Typically a spiel tries to persuade you of one thing.
Instance:
My uncle Thomas believes numerous conspiracy theories. Once we ate Thanksgiving dinner, he did his entire spiel about how the federal government is managed by lizard folks!
34. Schmooze
It is a verb which means to speak with somebody in a really pleasant means, usually to achieve some profit for your self.
Instance:
On the assembly, the professors had been schmoozing with the president of the membership. They need his membership to donate cash to the college.
From Spanish
Like French, Spanish is one other Latin-based language that has influenced English. Quite a lot of this Spanish affect is very noticeable in American English, so many of those phrases could possibly be much less widespread in British English.
35. Guerrilla
In Spanish, this phrase actually means “little warfare.” In each Spanish and English it may be used to explain an unofficial group of individuals preventing the federal government. In English, it’s mostly used as an adjective, in phrases like “guerrilla warfare” or “guerrilla advertising.”
Notice that in Spanish, the “ll” sound is totally different than in English. Because of this, in English this phrase sounds principally the identical as “gorilla,” the animal.
Instance:
The guerrilla fighters took management of the capital of the nation, which gave them management of the federal government.
34. Macho
This phrase describes an individual who may be very sturdy or masculine. It can be used to explain an individual who’s smug about his manhood. It’s additionally been utilized in the identify of knowledgeable wrestler and a preferred disco music from the Seventies.
Instance:
Peter is an actual macho man, however that’s annoying generally. He says that “actual males don’t cry,” however I feel he’s mistaken.
35. Patio
In English, “patio” typically describes an space exterior a home which regularly has a desk and chairs, however no roof.
Instance:
It was highly regarded as we speak, so we determined to exit to the patio to drink a chilly glass of lemonade. There are some timber there, too, so the solar wasn’t as dangerous.
36. Plaza
A “plaza” describes a public open space in a metropolis, which might generally be known as a “sq..”
“Plaza” can be used within the names of many procuring malls, company constructing areas or different massive open areas. Should you’re a local Spanish speaker, discover that the pronunciation in English has a vibrated “z” sound, not a smooth “s.”
Instance:
Victoria wanted to purchase some Christmas presents for her buddies, so she went downtown to the brand new procuring plaza to take a look at a number of the shops that had been lately opened.
37. Piñata
It is a blissful phrase that describes a toy that’s crammed with sweet. At events, youngsters take turns attempting to interrupt it open with a stick so the sweet will fall out.
Instance:
We had a celebration for our 3-year-old boy, however we thought he was in all probability too younger for a piñata. We thought all the youngsters would get hit within the head with the stick.
38. Savvy
It’s how we name an individual who makes good judgments. The phrase “savvy” probably originates from the Spanish phrase sabe, which suggests “is aware of.”
Instance:
Many individuals are not any that politically savvy.
39. Siesta
A “siesta” is one other identify for “nap,” however it’s typically a nap that one takes in the midst of the day, particularly after consuming or whereas taking a break from work.
Individuals usually take siestas in sizzling nations as a result of the center of the day is when the warmth is most intense. So it’s a very good time to remain inside and sleep!
Instance:
Wow, I ate that huge plate of spaghetti and now I’m feeling tremendous drained. I feel I’ll take a fast siesta earlier than I get again to work.
40. Tobacco
“Tobacco” is a kind of plant and its leaves are dried and used for smoking. Whereas the phrase is probably going influenced by native languages, the English phrase “tobacco” was derived from the Spanish phrase tabaco.
Instance:
I’ve by no means smoked tobacco in my life.
41. Vanilla
“Vanilla” is a spice that’s used to taste meals like ice cream or can be utilized in fragrances. The English phrase “vanilla” probably comes from the Spanish phrase vainilla, which itself comes from the Latin phrase for “pod.”
Instance:
Vanilla ice cream is my favourite!
From Japanese
Whereas English and Japanese don’t share widespread roots, the cultures have crossed paths many occasions all through the years and in the end borrowed phrases from one another.
42. Honcho
The Japanese phrase 班長 (hanchō) refers to a chief or chief in each Japanese and English. It can be used as a verb which means to prepare or to oversee a venture, for instance.
Instance:
I used to be lately requested to honcho the brand new advertising venture.
43. Skosh
You may use the phrase “skosh” with out even noticing the place it got here from. It’s used to consult with a small quantity and comes from both the Japanese phrase 少し (sukoshi) or the phrase すこし (sukoshi), each of which imply “just a little.”
Instance:
Subsequent time simply add a skosh of salt to your eggs.
44. Karaoke
You in all probability know what karaoke is. It’s if you sing together with the tune of a preferred music whereas studying the lyrics from a display. There are karaoke bars in lots of nations, together with the US and the UK, however it’s mostly related to Japan.
Instance:
Mitch actually likes singing karaoke, despite the fact that he doesn’t have a tremendous voice. However that doesn’t matter—the necessary factor is to have enjoyable with buddies!
45. Karate
Like karaoke, you in all probability acknowledge this phrase. It describes a preferred martial artwork that originated in Japan. There, the phrase “karate” means “empty hand,” because you don’t want any particular gear or weapons to do it.
Instance:
Lisa has a black belt in karate, so that you’d higher not attempt to steal her issues.
46. Ninja
This phrase means “spy” in Japanese, however in English it’s used to explain an individual who can transfer and assault silently, with out being seen. Individuals additionally affiliate ninjas with fighters who put on masks and all-black clothes, despite the fact that that is probably not traditionally true.
In trendy use, individuals who can do one thing extremely effectively are sometimes known as “ninjas.” That is particularly widespread in technological fields.
Instance:
You must attempt Karl’s cookies—they’re scrumptious! Karl is an actual baking ninja!
47. Origami
“Origami” is the artwork of folding small items of paper to be able to type them into fascinating shapes. Some origami could be actually detailed and unbelievable!
Instance:
If you wish to attempt origami, it’s very simple to begin. You simply want some small items of paper. However if you wish to turn out to be an skilled, it might take years of follow.
48. Tsunami
It is a gigantic (very massive) sea wave that’s often brought on by an earthquake.
Sadly, the phrase tsunami has turn out to be extra well-known ever for the reason that 2004 Southeast Asia tsunami and the 2011 Japan tsunami. These occasions killed a whole lot of hundreds of individuals.
Instance:
These current tsunamis had been horrible, however at least they made folks extra conscious of the hazards of tsunamis.
From Native American Languages
When Europeans arrived to the Americas, they encountered tens of millions of natives. The native teams had their very own languages, and plenty of of these influenced English.
Most of the Native American phrases had been for place names, and others had been tailored and altered to make them simpler to pronounce in English.
These phrases are often extra widespread in American English than in British English.
49. Chocolate
“Chocolate” got here to English after passing by way of Spanish, however initially it was xocolatl within the Nahuatl language of modern-day Mexico.
Instance:
Should you don’t know what chocolate is, then I really feel very unhappy for you.
50. Moccasin
Relying on who you ask, you’ll in all probability hear totally different concepts about what a moccasin is. However at the least everybody will agree that it’s a kind of casual shoe.
Instance:
I don’t just like the chilly winter climate usually, however I do get pleasure from sporting my heat moccasins once I’m inside.
From Chinese language
In English, “Chinese language” is used to consult with the totally different dialects of the languages in China and Taiwan, despite the fact that “Mandarin” is the precise identify of the one with probably the most audio system.
Should you look a bit nearer, you’ll discover that English has really taken some fairly cool phrases from Chinese language!
51. Dim sum
“Dim sum” is a method of meals that’s widespread in southern China (particularly in and close to Hong Kong).
The phrase initially meant “contact your coronary heart,” however now it’s simply used to explain a meal in a restaurant the place the company have many selections of small dishes of meals. Most of the meals are steamed in bamboo baskets, and there are additionally different dishes like soup and fried bread.
Instance:
Tony invited us to eat dim sum and we had a beautiful time! The meals was scrumptious, and the little items had been really simple to eat with chopsticks.
52. Gung-ho
In Chinese language this phrase means “work collectively,” however in English it’s used casually to specific that you simply’re excited or obsessed with one thing. We typically use it as an adjective.
Instance:
I used to be actually gung-ho to eat dim sum, however once we acquired to the Chinese language restaurant it was closed for a vacation! We had been all actually dissatisfied.
53. Kung fu
“Kung fu” is one other standard fashion of martial arts. In kung fu, typically fighters solely use their palms and toes, however not weapons.
Instance:
I’m uninterested in bullies beating me up. I’m going to study kung fu so I can defend myself in the event that they assault me once more!
54. Tofu
It is a phrase that originated from Chinese language (as dou fu). However earlier than it was adopted into English, it handed by way of Japanese and have become “tofu.”
In Chinese language, dou means “bean” and fu means “rotten” or “bitter.” It sounds gross if you put it that means, however it might probably really be fairly tasty!
Instance:
I do know you’re vegetarian, however this restaurant has numerous nice choices! For most of the dishes you’ll be able to simply substitute the meat with tofu or one other vegetarian possibility.
55. Hurricane
A hurricane is simply one other identify for a hurricane or a cyclone. If it’s within the Pacific Ocean close to Asia, it’s known as a hurricane.
The phrase was bolstered by the Chinese language phrase taifeng, which suggests “huge wind.” There have been additionally some doable influences from different languages like Greek, Arabic and Portuguese!
Instance:
In 2014 Hurricane Haiyan hit the Philippines and brought on numerous injury. It was one of many largest typhoons ever recorded.
56. Yin and yang
In Chinese language, yin represents female, darkish and nighttime, whereas yang represents the other: masculine, gentle and daytime issues. In English, these phrases are used to symbolize any opposites.
Instance:
Mary is the yin to Peter’s yang. They’re full opposites, however they’ve a cheerful marriage. I assume it’s true that “opposites entice”!
57. Ketchup
Ketchup could seem as American as burgers and cookouts, however the phrase itself could come from the Cantonese phrase 茄汁 (qié zhī), which suggests “tomato sauce.”
Instance:
May you please go me a bottle of ketchup, please?
58. Chin-chin
In English and Chinese language, it’s a consuming toast expressing good needs earlier than consuming. The phrase stems from the Mandarin phrase 請 (qǐng), which suggests “please.”
Thanks for the nice evening, let’s have the final drink! Chin-chin!
59. Brainwashing
It’s a time period utilized in English to explain the method of manipulating an individual’s beliefs, feelings and behaviors. It may not sound Chinese language, however there’s an excellent rationalization for that.
“Brainwashing” is definitely a literal translation of the Chinese language phrase 洗腦 (xǐ nǎo). It originated in Chinese language through the Korean Conflict, referring to the follow of coercion and thoughts management.
It took off within the U.S. quickly after.
Instance:
The prisoners of warfare had been subjected to intense brainwashing.
From Arabic
Although Arabic and English look extremely totally different, many English phrases have their roots in Arabic because it is likely one of the oldest languages on this planet.
60. Admiral
In English, an admiral is a high-ranking naval officer who’s answerable for commanding fleets or teams of ships.
“Admiral” comes from أمير (pronounced amyr and generally translated as “emir”), which refers to a frontrunner.
Instance:
Horatio Nelson was the best admiral within the historical past of the Royal Navy.
61. Alcohol
All of us are in all probability aware of this phrase. However do you know that the phrase “alcohol” is derived from the phrase الكحل (alkahal), which meant “the kohl,” which initially referred to a powder.
Instance:
I’m significantly fascinated by slicing down on alcohol in January.
62. Algebra
“Algebra” is a department of math the place you remedy equations. “Algebra” comes from الجبر (aljabar), which initially referred to assembling damaged elements.
Instance:
Algebra was my least favourite topic in school.
63. Common
In math, it’s the imply quantity from a set of numbers. In English, we additionally use this phrase to explain when one thing is typical or normal. “Common” initially got here from عوار (eawar), which referred to wreck to items. Service provider-marine legislation modified the which means.
Instance:
It was an common expertise for me.
64. Lemon
These vibrant yellow fruits have an fascinating historical past. Coming from the phrase ليمون (leemoon), it handed by way of French earlier than making its approach to English.
Instance:
Consuming lemons can enhance your immune system.
65. Sheikh
A “sheikh” is a ruler or chief of a gaggle of individuals in Arab cultures. It’s utilized in English as a title for rulers in some nations, as an alternative of phrases like “king” or “president.”
For instance, the present chief of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, is a sheikh.
Instance:
When assembly sheikhs, many overseas leaders maintain palms with them as an indication of respect or friendship.
66. Couch
“Couch” probably began because the Arabic phrase صفّة (couch) earlier than coming into the Turkish language, then the French language, then the English language. That’s fairly a journey!
67. Zero
“Zero” comes from the phrase صفر (sifr), although it handed by way of Spanish, Italian and French earlier than it entered the English language.
From Russian
Despite the fact that Russian and English look and sound very totally different they’re really each part of the massive group of languages often known as Indo-European.
68. Beluga
It’s a small whale with white tooth dwelling primarily in Arctic waters. The kind of sturgeon comes from the Russian phrase белуга (beluga), whereas the kind of whale comes from белуха (beluhka). Each in the end hint again to белый (belee), which suggests “white.”
Instance:
The beluga whale is called the “canary of the ocean” due to its distinctive vocalizations.
69. Babushka
In Russian, this phrase means “grandmother,” however in English it often refers to a shawl or head overlaying that you may think an previous Russian girl sporting.
So if a lady or girl wears a shawl to maintain her head heat, generally folks jokingly name her a “babushka.”
Instance:
I noticed an previous girl sporting a babushka strolling down the road. She was carrying many procuring luggage and having hassle strolling, so I provided to assist her carry her luggage.
70. Disinformation
It means to provide false data to mislead somebody on objective. “Disinformation” comes from the Russian phrase дезинформация (dezinformatsiya), which was the identify of a KGB propaganda division.
Instance:
The federal government’s disinformation marketing campaign was designed to confuse the general public and conceal the reality in regards to the controversial coverage.
71. Mammoth
It’s a big, extinct species of elephant that lived through the Ice Age. In English, this phrase can be used to say when one thing is large or gigantic. “Mammoth” comes from the Russian phrase мамонт (mamont), which probably had Siberian roots.
Instance:
The development venture required a mammoth quantity of concrete and metal to finish the towering skyscraper.
72. Shaman
A “shaman” is a mystical skilled who can perform as a healer. This phrase for a tribal priest comes from the Russian phrase шаман (shaman), which probably comes from the Evenki language of Siberia.
Instance:
The tribal shaman carried out a sacred ritual to attach with the spirits of nature.
From Portuguese
With two languages that take a lot of their vocabulary from Latin, you’ll be able to count on numerous overlap and similarities. Listed below are the phrases we have now simply straight borrowed!
73. Bossa nova
There are many Portuguese loanwords in English. Bossa nova, which suggests “new wave” in Brazilian Portuguese, describes a form of stress-free music.
Instance:
You could suppose that you simply don’t know any bossa nova songs, however you virtually actually have heard a model of the “The Woman From Ipanema.” It’s an ideal bossa nova music, however it’s additionally the stereotypical instance of “elevator music.”
74. Cashew
It’s a nut within the form of a kidney that’s wealthy in oil and proteins. “Cashew” is derived from the Portuguese phrase cajú, which probably got here from the now-extinct Tupi language.
Instance:
Strive consuming a number of cashews as a snack, it’s a more healthy possibility.
75. Cobra
Cobra is a toxic snake from Africa and southern Asia. The phrase “cobra” is a shortening of cobra de capello, a Portuguese phrase which means “snake with hood.”
Instance:
On the zoo, we noticed a black cobra.
76. Flamingo
Whereas some could declare “flamingo” has Spanish origins, there’s additionally an argument that it could have come from Portuguese. The brilliant pink birds haven’t but weighed in on the battle.
Instance:
An exquisite flamingo was standing gracefully on one leg within the pond on the zoo.
From Swedish
Whereas the writing and pronunciation of a phrase could sound fairly totally different in Swedish than in English, there’s really much more commonalities than you may count on between these two languages that share Germanic roots.
77. Moped
“Moped” (pronounced with two syllables: mo-ped) is a mixture of the Swedish phrases “motor” and “pedaler.” These phrases are almost the identical as their English equivalents “motor” and “pedals.”
It’s principally a bicycle with a motor. Many individuals name scooters or small bikes “mopeds,” however that’s not technically appropriate.
Instance:
Once I acquired my driver’s license, I actually wished a automotive. However vehicles are too costly, so I purchased a moped from my pal Ronnie as an alternative.
From Italian
Like most of the different languages on this checklist, Italy and English share Germanic roots so many phrases sound comparable, however others are simply borrowed, like these.
78. Allegro
“Allegro” in music means to be carried out at a brisk pace. In Italian, allegro means “cheerful.” Most different musical phrases additionally got here from Italian.
Instance:
The final piece of the composition was in allegro type.
79. Alto
In English, “alto” usually refers to a feminine singer with a decrease voice, although the phrase really comes from the Italian phrase alto, which suggests “excessive.”
Instance:
Amy Winehouse is likely one of the finest alto singers of all time.
80. Condo
In English, an condominium is a set of rooms on one ground of a constructing. “Condo” probably comes from the Italian phrase appartamento (although it additionally handed by way of French earlier than coming into the English language).
Instance:
He lives in an condominium on the third ground.
81. Broccoli
It’s a extremely popular inexperienced vegetable. Do you know that the phrase “broccoli” comes from the Italian phrase broccoli, which is the plural of broccolo.
Instance:
My mother made me eat steamed broccoli with each meal I had for lunch.
82. Cartoon
In English it means a easy drawing in a considerably humorous fashion. It’s additionally an animated movie for youths. “Cartoon” probably comes from the Italian phrase cartone, which had been full-scale drawings used to organize for work or frescoes.
Instance:
We watched the Pocahontas cartoon on TV final evening.
83. Cauliflower
It’s a white vegetable and you’ll really make a pleasant grilled cauliflower steak! “Cauliflower” comes from Italian phrase cavolfiore, which accurately means “flowering cabbage.”
Instance:
I attempted roasting cauliflower for dinner yesterday and it was scrumptious.
84. Cello
It’s an instrument within the violin household. “Cello” comes from the Italian phrase violoncello, which is the diminutive of violone, a kind of double bass.
Instance:
Have you ever carried out an hour of cello follow but?
85. Paparazzi
“Paparazzi” is definitely the plural type of the Italian phrase paparazzo. It’s utilized in English to explain a photographer or a gaggle of photographers who take photos of celebrities. Then they promote the images to magazines or newspapers.
They’re not a extremely popular occupation, as they take away celebrities’ privateness, however they had been the topic of a preferred music a number of years in the past.
Instance:
When Princess Diana died in 1999, many individuals believed that the paparazzi had been answerable for her dying. These photographers had been continually following her all over the place.
86. Piano
We’re aware of this huge keyboard instrument. Do you know that “Piano” is a shortening of the Italian phrase pianoforte?
Instance:
I realized to play piano in a music college close to my home.
87. Soprano
“Soprano” is the very best singing voice and has the identical which means between languages. The phrase comes straight from the Italian soprano.
Instance:
He composed this piece particularly for sopranos.
88. Violin
The violin is a stringed musical instrument that has 4 strings and is performed with a bow. The phrase “violin” got here to English from the Italian phrase violino, which is a diminutive of viola (a barely bigger stringed instrument).
Instance:
The sound of the violin jogs my memory of my childhood.
From Korean
Identical to Ok-Pop, the Korean language has had an affect on English.
89. Taekwondo
For our ultimate phrase, we’ll have a look at one other martial arts time period. In Korean, taekwondo means “kick fist artwork” (fairly cool, proper?!) and in English it’s used to explain the favored martial artwork.
Instance:
After writing this text, I now need to study a martial artwork. I’d prefer to study taekwondo, however I need to learn to use swords and different weapons, so it may not be the best choice for me.
Wow! That was numerous phrases, however I’m positive that you simply’ll don’t have any hassle studying them. In truth, you in all probability already acknowledged a few of them.
You don’t must memorize this checklist! In truth, it’s at all times higher to study new phrases in context by listening to, seeing and studying them used naturally.
For instance, to follow these and different phrases, think about a useful resource like FluentU. This program makes use of native-level English video content material (chock-full of all kinds of borrowed phrases) to show you new vocabulary whereas bettering your understanding of the tradition.
Search for phrases you acknowledge in English content material and media to find much more simple vocabulary phrases it’s possible you’ll already know.
Till the following time we rendezvous, I hope you’ll keep gung-ho for studying new English vocabulary! Adios, amigos!
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