How Words from Around the World Became a Natural Part of English
English is often called a ‘language of borrowers’ because it has taken words from many different languages over the centuries. Some of these words blend in so well that we forget they weren’t originally English! From French elegance to Japanese pop culture, let’s explore some fascinating borrowed words we use every day.
One of the most obvious influences on English comes from French. Words like ‘café’ (meaning coffee shop) and ‘rendezvous’ (a planned meeting) add a touch of sophistication to the language. From German, we get ‘kindergarten’ (meaning ‘children’s garden’), a word that perfectly describes early childhood education. The Japanese language has given us fun words like ‘karaoke’, which means ’empty orchestra,’ referring to music tracks without vocals.
Meanwhile, Italian has gifted us with delicious words like ‘pasta’ and ‘pizza,’ while Spanish has contributed terms like ‘siesta’ (a short afternoon nap). Even everyday objects have borrowed names—’sofa’ comes from Arabic, and ‘robot’ comes from a Czech word meaning ‘forced labor.’
These borrowed words make English a dynamic and colorful language, reflecting its global history. Next time you order a croissant or watch an anime, remember—you’re speaking more than just English!
