The 35 Arabic Words In Spanish You Never Knew About!

The Spanish language is a rich tapestry woven from many threads, with one of the most significant sources being Arabic words in Spanish. This influence originates from the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the early 8th century, a transformative period that lasted nearly 800 years.

The impact of Arabic on Spanish culture, architecture, and, most notably, language, has left a lasting legacy. During this time, countless beautiful Arabic words found their way into Spanish, creating a unique fusion that continues to fascinate linguists and historians alike.

The long presence of Muslim rule in Spain meant that Arabic was not just a language of the elite but also a common tongue in everyday life. From academic terms to items found in households and words that describe natural elements, the influence of Arabic is profound and far-reaching.

This listicle aims to explore the connections between Arabic and Spanish by highlighting some of the most commonly used Arabic words in Spanish. These words span various categories, from food and drink to mathematics and architecture. They serve as a reminder of the historical ties between the two cultures and the way language evolves through cultural exchange.

Understanding the shared Arabic words in Spanish helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of the Spanish language. It also highlights the enduring nature of Arabic and its ability to integrate into different cultures, even across vast distances and over many centuries.

As you read through this list, you will see how the Arabic words in Spanish reflect a blend of linguistic and cultural elements that have become an integral part of the Spanish-speaking world.

35 Shared Arabic Words in Spanish

#1 Aceite Derived from Arabic "az-zayt," this Spanish word translates to oil.

#2 Aceituna From Arabic "az-zaytūn," this Spanish word means olive.

#3 Almohada The Spanish term for pillow, which comes from Arabic "al-mukhadda."

#4 Flor The word for flower in Spanish, derived from Arabic "fulūrah."

#5 Arroz This Spanish word for rice has roots in the Arabic "ar-ruzz."

#6 Tambor Derived from Arabic "ṭanbūr," this Spanish word means drum.

#7 Azafrán From Arabic "az-za'farān," meaning saffron.

#8 Azúcar Derived from Arabic "as-sukkar," meaning sugar.

#9 Berenjena This Spanish word for eggplant comes from Arabic "al-bāḏinjān."

#10 Pobre Derived from Arabic "faqr," which means poor.

#11 Jarra From Arabic "jarrah," referring to a jar or container.

#12 Limón This word for lemon in Spanish has roots in the Arabic "laymūn."

#13 Jazmín Derived from Arabic "yāsamīn," meaning jasmine.

#14 Castillo This Spanish word for castle comes from Arabic "qasr."

#15 Comino From Arabic "kamūn," this Spanish word means cumin.

#16 Molino Derived from Arabic "mīna," referring to a mill.

#17 Café This word for coffee in Spanish comes from Arabic "qahwa."

#18 Algebra From Arabic "al-jabr," meaning the restoration.

#19 Alcalde Derived from Arabic "al-qāḍī," which refers to a judge or magistrate.

#20 Alcohol Derived from Arabic "al-kuḥl," originally referring to a cosmetic powder.

#21 Naranja Derived from Arabic "nāranj," this Spanish word means orange.

#22 Almuerzo From Arabic "al-murzza," meaning lunch.

#23 Albornoz Derived from Arabic "al-burnūs," referring to a type of cloak.