Arabic Influence on Spanish

When most people think of languages related to Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French come to mind. But there’s another surprising influence: Arabic. While Arabic and Spanish aren’t linguistic cousins, the Arabic language has deeply shaped Spanish vocabulary, culture, and even everyday expressions. At LanguageBird, we teach students that language learning isn’t just about grammar—it’s about understanding the history and culture that live inside the words.

The History of Arabic Influence on Spanish

Spanish developed from Vulgar Latin into Old Castilian, but during this evolution, the Iberian Peninsula was under Moorish rule for nearly 800 years. Beginning with the Umayyad Conquest of 711, much of modern Spain and Portugal was controlled by Muslim rulers. The Moors introduced advanced agriculture, architecture, science, and scholarship, leaving a lasting imprint on Spanish society and language.

Even after the Reconquista in 1492, thousands of Arabic words remained in everyday Spanish. Today, linguists estimate that around 8% of all Spanish words have Arabic origins, highlighting the deep and enduring impact of this historical period.

How Arabic Shaped Spanish Vocabulary

The most visible influence is in toponyms (place names), but Arabic roots also appear in food, mathematics, science, agriculture, and common expressions.

Place Names with Arabic Origins

Many Spanish towns and cities still carry Arabic names, especially those beginning with al-.

Even in Latin America, cities like Guadalajara, Mexico, retain the same Arabic roots.

Everyday Spanish Words of Arabic Origin

It’s estimated that nearly 4,000 Spanish words trace back to Arabic. Many are so common that speakers rarely notice their origin.

Food & Agriculture

• arroz (rice) ← ar-ruzz

• aceituna (olive) ← az-zaytūnah

• azúcar (sugar) ← as-sukkar

• alcachofa (artichoke) ← al-ḵuršūf

• limón (lemon) ← laymūn

Math & Science Terms

• álgebra ← al-jabr

• cero (zero) ← ṣifr

• algoritmo (algorithm) ← Al-Khwarizmi

• número (number) ← ‘adad

Everyday Vocabulary

• barrio (neighborhood) ← barri

• almohada (pillow) ← al-mikhadda

• alcalde (mayor) ← al-qāḍī

• alhaja (jewel) ← al-ḥaŷa

Phrases & Expressions

• Ojalá (hopefully / God willing) ← إن شاء الله (in shā’ Allāh)

• ¡Aláh! (archaic interjection in some dialects) ← Arabic word for God

Indirect Arabic Influence

Some words entered Spanish via other languages:

• café (coffee) ← Italian caffè ← Turkish kahve ← Arabic qahwa

• naranja (orange) ← Arabic nāranj

These examples show how Arabic has contributed not just vocabulary but also the way Spanish integrates foreign influences.

Why This Matters for Language Learners

Understanding the Arabic influence on Spanish helps learners see the language as living history. At LanguageBird, our instructors connect students with these stories, making Spanish more engaging and memorable. Exploring Arabic roots in Spanish vocabulary, phrases, and expressions provides both linguistic skills and cultural appreciation.

Common Questions About Arabic Influence on Spanish

Q: How many Spanish words come from Arabic?
A: Roughly 8% of Spanish vocabulary—about 4,000 words—are of Arabic origin.

Q: Why do so many Spanish words start with “al-”?
A: The Arabic definite article al- (the) often stayed attached when borrowed into Spanish (e.g., alcachofa, alcalde, almohada).

Q: Did Arabic influence Spanish grammar too?
A: No, Spanish grammar remains Latin-based, but Arabic shaped vocabulary, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions.

Q: What are the most common Spanish words of Arabic origin?
A: Everyday words like arroz, azúcar, almohada, barrio, and ojalá come directly from Arabic.

Q: Is Arabic influence still felt in modern Spanish?
A: Yes—place names, food terms, and expressions like ojalá are used daily by millions of Spanish speakers.

Q: How does learning about Arabic influence help Spanish learners?
A: It provides cultural context, enriches vocabulary retention, and helps learners understand why Spanish words are structured the way they are.

Final Thoughts

Spanish and Arabic are both rich, global languages with intertwined histories. From place names to food terms to everyday expressions, Arabic left a profound mark on Spanish that endures today.

At LanguageBird, we bring this kind of cultural and historical context into our lessons, so students learn not just how to speak Spanish, but also why the language sounds the way it does.

Interested in learning Spanish with cultural depth? Contact LanguageBird today to explore our one-to-one, accredited online courses.