As the second most spoken language in the world, Spanish has left a significant impact on English, with many commonly used words originating from Spanish. Whether you’re planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country or just want to improve your vocabulary, here are 20 common Spanish words that you might not realize you already know:
- Fiesta – party or celebration
- Adios – goodbye
- Amigo – friend
- Bonanza – an unexpected gain or success
- Casa – house or home
- Patio – an outdoor area used for dining or recreation
- Fandango – a lively Spanish dance
- Guerrilla – a member of an irregular armed force that fights against a regular army
- Junta – a group of people who rule a country after taking power by force
- Macho – having qualities traditionally associated with men, such as strength and aggressiveness
- Matador – a bullfighter who kills the bull in a bullfight
- Mosquito – a small, biting insect
- Pueblo – a town or village in Spanish-speaking countries
- Siesta – a nap or rest taken after lunch, especially in hot countries
- Sombrero – a Mexican hat with a wide brim
- Taco – a Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled with various ingredients
- Tequila – a Mexican alcoholic drink made from the agave plant
- Tornado – a violent windstorm that forms a rotating column of air
- Vanilla – a flavoring extract derived from the seed pods of certain orchids
- Vigilante – a person who takes the law into their own hands and enforces it without legal authority
Whether you’re planning to attend a fiesta, wear a sombrero, or sip some tequila, these commonly used Spanish words in English will come in handy. By learning these words, you’ll not only improve your vocabulary, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse history of the Spanish language.
Maybe one day you will need to say:
“At the fiesta, my amigo and I danced the fandango in our sombreros and enjoyed tacos and tequila while discussing the unexpected bonanza that came from our guerrilla marketing campaign.”
¡Hasta luego!
Stay Sneezy!
Major Jaybird
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