50 Foreign Words in English

50 Foreign Words Commonly Used in English

Hello, English learners! Welcome to a new lesson! English is famous for borrowing words from other languages. Over centuries, it has absorbed vocabulary from French, Latin, German, Italian, Spanish, and many others. In this lesson, you’ll explore 50 foreign words that are commonly used in modern English, along with their language of origin, clear meanings, and natural explanations. Many of these words appear in everyday conversation, news articles, films, and exams.

French Words in English

Déjà vu (French)

The strange feeling that you have experienced the present situation before.

Cliché (French)

An idea or phrase that has been used so often that it has lost its originality.

Fiancé / fiancée (French)

A person who is engaged to be married (male/female).

Entrée (French)

In American English, the main course of a meal (note: in French, it means a starter).

Rendezvous (French)

A planned meeting, often at a particular place and time.

Savoir-faire (French)

The ability to behave appropriately and confidently in social situations.

Cul-de-sac (French)

A street or passage that is closed at one end.

Bon appétit (French)

An expression used to wish someone enjoyment of their meal.

Eau de toilette (French)

A lightly scented perfume or cologne.

Rapport (French)

A relationship marked by understanding, trust, and harmony.

Faux pas (French)

A social mistake or breach of etiquette.

Genre (French)

A category or style, especially in literature, music, or film.

Coup d’état (French)

A sudden and illegal takeover of a government.

Spanish Words in English

Fiesta (Spanish)

A lively celebration or festival.

Siesta (Spanish)

A short rest or nap taken in the afternoon.

Mañana (Spanish)

Literally “tomorrow”; sometimes suggests delay or lack of urgency.

Italian Words in English

Prima donna (Italian)

Originally the lead female opera singer; now used for a demanding or temperamental person.

Opera (Italian)

A dramatic musical performance combining singing and orchestral music.

Risotto (Italian)

A creamy Italian rice dish cooked slowly in broth.

Cappuccino (Italian)

A coffee made with espresso, hot milk, and milk foam.

Al fresco (Italian)

Outdoors, especially when referring to eating.

Fiasco (Italian)

A complete failure.

Gelato (Italian)

Italian-style ice cream with a rich flavour and smooth texture.

Graffiti (Italian)

Writing or drawings illegally marked on public surfaces.

Coda (Italian)

A concluding section of a musical or written work.

German Words in English

Schadenfreude (German)

Pleasure felt at another person’s misfortune.

Kindergarten (German)

A preschool system focused on learning through play.

Wanderlust (German)

A strong desire to travel and explore the world.

Doppelgänger (German)

A person who looks almost exactly like someone else.

Bratwurst (German)

A traditional German sausage.

Zeitgeist (German)

The spirit or mood of a particular historical period.

Rucksack (German)

A backpack.

Japanese Words in English

Tsunami (Japanese)

A large ocean wave caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic activity.

Zen (Japanese)

A state of calm awareness; also a Buddhist tradition focused on meditation.

Karaoke (Japanese)

Entertainment where people sing along to recorded music.

Emoji (Japanese)

Small digital images used to express emotions or ideas in messages.

Words from South Asian Languages

Pyjamas (Urdu / Hindi)

Loose-fitting clothes worn for sleeping.

Bungalow (Hindi)

A single-storey house, often with a veranda.

Shampoo (Hindi)

A liquid used for washing hair.

Pukka (Hindi)

Genuine, high-quality, or properly done (British informal).

Curry (Tamil / Indian languages)

A dish made with spices, vegetables, meat, or fish.

Russian Words in English

Tsar / Czar (Russian)

The former title of the Russian emperor.

Vodka (Russian)

A clear distilled alcoholic drink.

Babushka (Russian)

Originally meaning grandmother; also a headscarf tied under the chin.

Sputnik (Russian)

Originally the first artificial satellite; now a general term for satellites.

Balalaika (Russian)

A traditional Russian stringed musical instrument.

Words from Other Languages

Safari (Swahili)

Originally meaning “journey”; now a wildlife expedition.

Banjo (West African languages)

A stringed musical instrument with African origins.

Persona non grata (Latin)

A person who is unwelcome or unacceptable.

Ad hoc (Latin)

Created or done for a specific purpose, not as part of a general plan.

Many foreign words keep their original spelling and pronunciation, which is why English can seem unpredictable. Learning their origin and typical context will help you remember them more easily and use them naturally — especially in reading, listening, and advanced writing.

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