The longstanding Influence of Arabic on Spanish Language
Did you know that many of today’s Spanish words are originally derived from Arabic? Arabic has had a considerable influence on Spanish language throughout history and up till today. In fact, about 4,000 Spanish words are derived from Arabic, which amounts to 8% of the whole language. Many of which most people are familiar with, and are used in everyday conversation. Let us take a look!
Historical background
According to historical sources, the linguistic relationship between Arabic and Spanish began to form in 711 AD when the Arab people of North Africa, known as the Moors, conquered the Iberian Peninsula. ruling these lands for 800 years. During this era, the residents began to absorb many Arabic words into their language as well as cultural habits and innovations in various fields. Here are some spanish words derived from Arabic origin:Food related words
| Spanish | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Arroz  | أرُز | Rice |
| Azúcar | سُكَّر | Sugar |
| Aceite | زيت | Oil |
| Aceituna | زَيْتون | Olive |
| Acebibe (Uva pasa) | زَبيب | Raisin |
| Azafrán | زَعْفَران | Saffron |
| Berenjena | باذِنْجان | Eggplant |
| Limón | لَيْمون | Lemon |
| Jarabe | شَراب | Syrup |
| Café | قَهْوَة | coffee |
| Alubia | لوبياء | Black-eyed pea |
| Alcachofa | خَرْشوف | Artichoke |
| Comino | كمون | Cumin |
| Alcohol | الكُحول | Alcohol |
الطبيعة و الحيوانات Nature and Animals
| Spanish | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Jirafa | زَرافة | Giraffe |
| Gacela | غَزَال | Deer |
| Vaca | بَقَرة | Cow |
| Pato | بَطَّة | Duck |
| Algodón | القُطْن | Cotton |
| Alberca | البِرْكة | Pond |
| Gibraltar | جَبَل طارق | Gibraltar |
الأماكن و الآلات
Places and machines
| Spanish | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Alcázar | القَصْر | Palace |
| Almacén | المَخْزَن | Storeroom |
| Aldea | الضَّيْعَة (عامية شامية) | Village |
| Acequia | السَّاقية | Irrigation ditch |
| Tahona | طاحونة | Grinder |
كلمات أخرى
Other words
| Spanish | Arabic | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hola | أهلًا | Hello |
| Ojalá | إن شاء الله | If God wills |
| Hasta | حَتَّى | Until |
| Usted | أُسْتاذ | You (formal) |
| Camisa | قَميص | Shirt |
| Almohada | المَخَدَّة (الوِسادة) | Pillow |
| Química | الكِيمياء | Chemistry |
| Álgebra | الجَبر | Algebra |
| Albañil | البَنَّاء | Builder |
| Guitarra | قيثارة | Guitar |
| Quintal | قِنطار | Hundredweight |
| Alcalde | القائِد | Mayor |
| Elixir | الإكسير | Elixir |
| Momia | مومياء | Mummy |
| Tarea | طريحة | Task \ homework |
| Dado | أعداد | Dice |
Moors were the first to introduce Alchemy ‘the origin of chemistry’ and the science of Algebra, the concept of Zero in numbers. They also presented the game of Chess (الشطرنج). Surprisingly, instruments such as the Guitar and Flamenco were first presented by the Moors to Spanish music. Architecture(العمارة) and Food (الطعام) were also influenced, Mosques such as Cordoba’s Mosque (جامع قرطبة) and the Alhambra (Hambara) of Granada (قصر الحمراء) are still present today and remain a witness to a longstanding connection between the two languages and cultures. Chickpeas (الحمص) were also newly introduced to the Spanish Cuisine by the Moors. In addition to a number of crops (محاصيل) such as rice, sugarcane, figs and apricots. The influence of Arabic culture on Spain goes beyond language, extending to deep cultural roots, shaping the country’s identity to this day.
