My previous post about the Arabic origin of my town’s name (l’Atzúbia) was quite a hit among friends.
It sparked dinner party debates and delighted anyone with an ear for history.
This is exactly what the MadLibs blog is all about.
Here, we’re all about sharing the mad, marvellous and sometimes maddening origins of everyday words in Spanish. The goal? A more delightful way to learn the language!
I remember how my friends used to swap their Duolingo stories at dinner parties, boasting about being in the “diamond league” as if they’d just been knighted. Yet, over coffee, that same “diamond leaguer” was always the first to falter in conversation, muttering: “I can read it, I just can’t understand it!”
I’ve been there too.
I used to wake up and dive into Duolingo every morning until it became a verb in my life. Five years later, still unable to chat with the greengrocer, I knew something had to change.
I love etymology, words, and poetry, and I realized what I needed was to fall in love with Spanish. To enjoy learning it, to be fulfilled, surprised and even driven a little mad by it.
Enter MadLibs!
(Oh, my name is “Libby” or “Libs” hence the name of this blog.)
Every time I started to reveal the Arabic origin of a Spanish word, I watched eyes light up and heard exclamations of, “Oh, I never knew that!”
And here’s the best bit: the word sticks!
I went on a long adventure and uncovered 55 common Spanish words with Arabic origins. Get ready to gasp, roll your eyes, and maybe even laugh at some of these revelations.
I hope these words stick with you much better than any Duolingo lesson ever did!
55 Common Arabic Words in Spanish
- Aceite (oil). Closely related, from az-zayt, meaning “olive juice.” The Arabic root is unmistakable, standing apart from any Latin alternatives.
- Aceituna (olive). Derived from Arabic az-zaytūnah. Although a Latin term “oliva” exists, the Arabic version is dominant in Castilian Spanish. In Valenciano, the native language of the Valencian region, the Latin version “oliva” is the dominant.
- Ajedrez (chess). From Arabic aš-šaṭranj, which itself came from Persian, marking the introduction of chess to Europe through Arabic scholarship.
- Alacrán (scorpion). Derived from Arabic al-‘aqrab, referring to the venomous arachnid that sparks both caution and fascination. There is also the Latin “escorpion” but the Arabic is more common.
- Albañil (bricklayer). Likely from Arabic al-bannā, meaning “the builder,” reflecting the Arabic influence on everyday professions.
- Albaricoque (apricot). Derived from Arabic al-barqūq, referring to the sweet, juicy fruit that graces Spanish markets.
- Albóndiga (meatball). Likely from Arabic al-bunduq, meaning “hazelnut,” as early meatballs were said to be the size of a hazelnut.
- Aldea (village). Derived from Arabic al-day‘a, meaning “village” or “settlement,” even though Latin “villa” also played a role.
- Algoritmo (algorithm). Named after the Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, whose works were transmitted to Europe via Arabic translations.
- Alcalde (mayor). From Arabic al-qāḍī, meaning “the judge,” which evolved to denote the chief magistrate in Spanish towns.
- Alcohol (alcohol). Borrowed from Arabic al-kuḥl, originally referring to powdered eyeliner, later evolving to denote distilled substances.
- Álgebra (algebra). Stems from Arabic al-jabr, meaning “reunion of broken parts,” forming the basis of modern algebra.
- Algodón (cotton). From Arabic al-qutún, referring to the soft fiber that revolutionized the textile industry.
- Albahaca (basil). From Arabic al-habaqa, denoting the fragrant herb essential in Mediterranean cooking.
- Alcachofa (artichoke). Derived from Arabic al-kharshūf, referring to the edible bud cherished in Spanish cuisine. Also the root of the English.
- Alfombra (carpet). From Arabic al-fumrah, meaning “the carpet,” a term that has adorned countless Spanish homes.
- Alquiler (rent). From Arabic al-kirá’, meaning “the rent,” reflecting long-standing economic practices.
- Almohada (pillow). Derived from Arabic al-mukhaddah, referring to the cushion used for comfort during sleep.
- Arrecife (reef). Likely from Arabic al-rashef, referring to the rocky outcrop found in coastal waters.
- Arroz (rice). From Arabic ar-ruzz, which in turn came from Persian, denoting the staple grain of many cuisines.
- Asesino (murderer). Derived from Arabic hashishiyyin, originally referring to a sect of assassins, later generalized to mean any murderer.
- Atún (tuna). From Arabic at-tūn, indicating the large, prized fish abundant in the Mediterranean.
- Azafrán (saffron). Derived from Arabic az-za’faran, referring to the cherished spice known for its vibrant color and aroma.
- Azúcar (sugar). From Arabic as-súkkar, a term that introduced refined sugar to European kitchens.
- Azul (blue). Derived from Arabic lazaward, referring to the deep blue hue of lapis lazuli.
- Barrio (neighborhood). Possibly from Arabic barrī, meaning “of the land” or “suburban,” used to denote a neighborhood.
- Bellota (acorn). Possibly derived from an Arabic term, though Latin influence is also present, adding a layer of etymological intrigue.
- Berenjena (eggplant). From Arabic al-bādinjān, referring to the purple vegetable integral to Mediterranean dishes.
- Café (coffee). Traced through Arabic qahwah, though it also passed through Turkish and Italian, shaping its modern form.
- Cifra (figure). Derived from Arabic ṣifr, meaning “zero,” which evolved to represent numerical figures and codes.
- Comino (cumin). From Arabic kamun, referring to the spice that enriches the flavor of many traditional dishes.
- Dado (dice). Likely from Arabic dad, reflecting the long exchange of games and culture.
- Dátil (date). Derived from Arabic dāṭil, referring to the sweet fruit that has been a staple in desert regions.
- Elixir (elixir). From Arabic al-iksīr, originally denoting a substance with magical or medicinal qualities.
- Fulano (so-and-so). Derived from Arabic fulān, meaning “a certain person” or “someone,” used when a name escapes you.
- Granada (pomegranate). Derived from Arabic gharnāṭa, referring to the pomegranate; this name also graces the famous Spanish city.
- Guitarra (guitar). From Arabic qīthārah, with links to Greek and Persian influences, illustrating a musical journey through cultures.
- Hasta (until). Derived from Arabic ḥattā, meaning “even” or “up to,” now a common preposition in everyday Spanish.
- Jarabe (syrup). From Arabic sharāb, referring to a liquid—often medicinal—meant for consumption.
- Jaqueca (migraine). Possibly derived from Arabic, describing a severe headache, though its exact etymology is still debated.
- Jirafa (giraffe). From Arabic zarāfa, referring to the tall, spotted animal native to the African savanna.
- Limón (lemon). Derived from Arabic laymūn, denoting the citrus fruit that adds zest to many dishes.
- Melón (melon). Possibly derived from Arabic influences, referring to the sweet, refreshing fruit enjoyed during summer.
- Momia (mummy). From Arabic mūmiyā, originally referring to the embalming substance, now meaning a preserved corpse.
- Naranja (orange). From Arabic nāranj, originally Persian, indicating the sweet, citrus fruit.
- Noria (water wheel). Derived from Arabic na’oura, referring to the ancient device used for lifting water to irrigate fields.
- Ojalá (hopefully). From Arabic law šāʾ allāh, meaning “if God wills,” expressing a heartfelt wish or hope.
- Sandía (watermelon). Derived from Arabic sindiyyah, referring to the large, juicy fruit enjoyed in the heat.
- Sorbete (sorbet). From Arabic šarba(t), meaning “drink,” which evolved into the frozen, refreshing dessert.
- Talco (talc). Derived from Arabic ṭalq, likely via Persian, referring to the soft mineral used in cosmetic powders.
- Tambor (drum). From Arabic ṭanbūr, a term also found in Persian and Turkish, denoting a percussion instrument.
- Tarea (task). Traced to Arabic origins—though exact details are debated—it now simply means a task or chore.
- Taza (cup). Derived from Arabic tāsa, referring to a drinking vessel, highlighting the exchange between cultures.
- Zanahoria (carrot). From Arabic isfanāriyah, via Hispano-Arabic forms, denoting the familiar root vegetable.
- Acequia (irrigation ditch). Derived from Arabic al-sāqiya, referring to the channel used for irrigation in agriculture.
