Arabic Words Used in Everyday Spanish: History, Meaning, and Common Examples

Last Updated: December 2025
Written by Alvaro Sanchez Diaz,
Cofounder at Spanish55

This article explores common Spanish words of Arabic origin that are still used in everyday conversation today. You’ll learn how Arabic influence shaped Spanish vocabulary across food, expressions, music, animals, and household objects, and why understanding word origins can make learning Spanish more meaningful. 

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• How Arabic shaped the Spanish language during centuries of cultural exchange

• Common Spanish food words that come from Arabic

• Musical instruments in Spanish with Arabic roots

• Everyday expressions in Spanish influenced by Arabic

• Animal names in Spanish that originated from Arabic

• Household objects in Spanish with Arabic origins

• Why understanding word origins makes learning Spanish easier and more engaging

Image: Unsplash

Arabic has significantly influenced the Spanish language's evolution, leaving an indelible mark on its vocabulary, culture, and history. During the 173-year reign of the Caliphate of Cordoba in the southern Iberian Peninsula, Arabic became a dominant language, enriching Spanish with words and concepts that endure to this day. This linguistic exchange not only shaped everyday vocabulary but also contributed to fields such as science, mathematics, and agriculture, reflecting the deep cultural ties forged during this period of Islamic rule.

Exploring the origins and meanings of Arabic loanwords adds depth and richness to Spanish lessons, offering students insights into the interconnectedness of languages and the diverse cultural heritage of the Spanish-speaking world. By embracing this linguistic heritage, learners not only expand their vocabulary but also gain a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural complexities that have shaped the Spanish language over centuries.

In this article, we will talk about some of the most used words of Arabic origin in Hispanic countries, words that you will learn if you take Spanish lessons and of which it is worth knowing part of their history, as it makes learning more interesting.

Arabic Words Used in Spanish Related to Food

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In your Spanish lessons, you might find it challenging to cover all the culinary vocabulary, given the vast and diverse gastronomy of Spanish-speaking countries. Arabic influence has significantly shaped Spanish cuisine, with many food items bearing phonetic Arabic origins. For instance, the Spanish word "Aceite" derives from the Hispanic Arabic "azzáyt," and "azafrán" from "azza'farán."

Moreover, even modern dietary additions like "sugar" have Arabic roots, with the Spanish "Assúkkar" extending its influence to English as "sugar" and German as "Zucker." This linguistic journey underscores the deep historical and cultural connections between languages, enriching our understanding of the evolution of culinary traditions across different cultures.

Words With Rhythm: Musical Instruments of Arabic Origin in Spanish

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In your Spanish lessons, you'll discover many words shared with English that stem from Arabic roots. Take, for example, "Guitar" and "Guitarra," both deriving from the Arabic "quitara," with Greek origins in "kithara." Similarly, "Lute" traces back to Arabic as "Al-'ud".

Whether it's the thunderous beat of a drum set or the lively melodies of castanets, Arabic influence echoes in Spanish. "Drum" originates from Arabic "tunbur," while "castanets" find their roots in "Kasatan." Lastly, the vibrant sounds of the "Zambomba" are steeped in Arabic tradition, stemming from "sanba'".

Popular Spanish Expressions of Arabic Origin and Their Meaning

To truly sound like a native speaker, delve into the rich tapestry of expressions and idioms rooted in the era of the Caliphate of Cordoba. These linguistic treasures permeate almost all Spanish dialects, particularly Iberian Spanish spoken in Spain. For instance, the word "ojalá," used to express a desire for something to happen, originates from the Arabic "in sa'a llah", meaning "if God wills" or more precisely, "if Allah wills." In regions with a strong Christian influence, such as some Hispanic countries, you might also hear "si Dios quiere" used interchangeably.

While your Spanish classes may initially focus on grammar and essential vocabulary, you'll soon encounter commonly used words like "hasta." This term denotes a destination to be reached or a goal to be achieved and finds its roots in the Arabic "hatta." Interestingly, this word also resonates in Portuguese as "até" or "fasta," depending on the context. Similarly, the simple yet versatile term "Guay," expressing admiration or excitement, hails from the Arabic "way" and enjoys widespread use in Spain.

In addition to these, there are expressions less prevalent in Latin America but deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, such as "fulano." Used to refer to an unspecified person, phrases like "fulano de tal" or the diminutive "fulanito de tal" trace back to the Arabic "fulan." Even expressions such as Al Trote, which means “at a brisk pace” or “at once”, comes from the Arabic “al-trott”.

Animal Names in Spanish With Arabic Origins

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Many animal names in Spanish trace their roots back to Hispanic Arabic. Perhaps the most recognizable example is "Jirafa," derived from the Hispanic Arabic "zarafa," which has also found its way into English as "Giraffe," Portuguese as "Girafa," German as "Giraffe," and French as "Girafe," among other languages.

Similarly, "Alacran," used to describe certain types of scorpions, originates from the Arabic "al-'aqrab." Another example is "Boar," referring to a wild pig, which comes from the Arabic "gabalí." Even the pesky cockroach owes its name to Arabic roots, with "kukaraca". Lastly, the graceful gazelle, a type of African deer, has its English name derived from the Arabic "ghazal".

Everyday Objects in Spanish With Arabic Origins

Many common objects in Spanish derive their names from Hispanic Arabic, largely due to the influence of Muslim culture during the occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. This period witnessed the introduction of advanced technologies and scientific knowledge, leading to the adoption of Arabic names for various objects that already existed or were introduced to the region.

For instance, the word "alfombra" (carpet) traces its roots back to the Arabic "al-humra," while "almohada" (pillow) originated from "al-mihadda." Similarly, "Jarra" (jug) evolved from "gárra," and "taza" (cup) from the Arabic "tassa". Lastly, the term "Azulejo" (tile) derives from "al-zulayj," which also refers to a bird species known for its striking blue color.

Conclusion: Why Arabic Roots Matter When Learning Spanish

While learning Spanish doesn't equate to learning Arabic simultaneously, understanding the origins of certain words adds an intriguing layer to language learning. It not only enhances interest but also facilitates comprehension by establishing connections between words and their origins or original meanings.

Want to Discover More Spanish Word Origins?

If you enjoyed learning how Arabic influenced everyday Spanish, you may be surprised by the hidden stories behind many other common words.

In our video “9 Strange Origins of Common Spanish Words,” we explore where familiar terms like almohada, cucaracha, and chocolate really come from, revealing how history and culture shape the Spanish language in unexpected ways.

Ready to Learn Spanish With Real Context and Confidence?

If you enjoy discovering how Spanish words connect to history, culture, and everyday life, working 1-on-1 with an private Spanish tutor can make this learning even more engaging. In our online Spanish lessons, you’ll naturally encounter these words in real conversations, helping you speak more confidently and understand Spanish at a deeper level.

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Questions This Article Answers

• Why does Spanish have so many words of Arabic origin?

• What are common Spanish food words that come from Arabic?

• Which Spanish musical instruments have Arabic roots?

• What everyday Spanish expressions originated in Arabic?

• Are there animal names in Spanish with Arabic origins?

• What household objects in Spanish come from Arabic words?

• How does knowing word origins help you learn Spanish faster?