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31 Arabic Words We Use That Are Also Found In Spanish
Arabic and Spanish have more similarities than you might think, so we decided to write an article to show you just how many Arabic words are shared with Spanish. Lebanese people (and other Arabic speakers) who traveled or moved to Spain probably noticed the similarities between the countries in terms of language, culture, customs, and cuisine – let’s talk about it!
Why are Arabic and Spanish so closely related?
The symbiosis of Arabic and Spanish dates back to the Muslim conquest of Al-Andalus, which spans over modern-day Gibraltar, Portugal, Spain, and Southern France. The Islamic rule lasted for 781 years until the Fall of Granada in 1492, so it makes sense that when looking at the etymology of many Spanish words, you’ll find traces of Arabic. You’ll also find remarkable architecture from that period, like the Alhambra Palace and the Mosque of Cordoba.
Spanish is the only Romance language (which basically refers to a language that developed from Latin) that includes the letters kh (خ) and tha (ث). Every Spanish word prefaced with al (أل- التعريف) is originally Arabic, such as rice “ar-roz” (Arroz), sugar “as-sukkar” (Azúcar), and the warehouse “al-makhzan” (Almacén), among many others.
Did you know that these 31 words that Lebanese people use every day are also found in Spanish?
1. Insha’Allah (إنشا الله) in Spanish: Ojalá
2. Oil (Zeit – زيت) in Spanish: Aceite
3. Olive (Zaytoun – زيتون) in Spanish: Aceituna
4. Oil Press (al- maasara – معصرة) in Spanish: Almazara
5. Lake (al-buhayra – البحيرة) in Spanish: Albuhera
6. Arches (al-qantara – القنطرة) in Spanish: Alcantra
7. The palace (al-qasr – القصر) in Spanish: Alcázar
8. Pottery (al-fukhar – الفخار) in Spanish: Alfarero
9. Carob (al-kharroub – الخروب) in Spanish: Algarroba
10. Cotton (al-qoton – القطن) in Spanish: Algodón
11. Henna (al-henna – الحنا) in Spanish: Alheña
12. Pillow (al-mokhada – المخدة) in Spanish: Almohada
13. Village (al-qarya – القرية) in Spanish language: Alquería
14. Flower (az-zaher – الزهر) in Spanish language: Alzahar
15. Basil (ar-rihan – الريحان) in Spanish: Arrayan
16. Rice (ar-roz – الرز) in Spanish: Arroz
17. Drum (at-tabel – طبل) in Spanish: Atabal
18. Saffron (az-zaafaran – الزعفران) in Spanish: Azafrán
19. Sugar (as-sukkar – السكر) in Spanish: Azúcar
20. Eggplant (batenjan – باتنجان) in Spanish: Berenjena
21. Poor (faqir – فقير) in Spanish language: Faquir
22. So-and-so (fulan – فُلان) in Spanish: Fulano
23. Jar/jug (jarra – جرة) in Spanish: Jarra
24. Lute (oud – عود) in Spanish: Laúd
25. Lemon (laymoun – ليمون) in Spanish: Limón
26. Jasmine (yasmine – ياسمين) in Spanish: Jazmines
27. The Castle (al-qalaa – القلعة) in Spanish: Alcalá
28. Coffee (al-qahwa – القهوة) in Spanish: El Cafe
29. Wilderness (al-barriya – البرية) in Spanish: Barrio
30. Mill (tahouna – طاحونة) in Spanish: Tahona
31. Cumin (al-kammoun – كمون) in Spanish: Comino
Do you know more words in Spanish that are rooted in Arabic? Share them with us so we can grow our list!
