Arabic language influence on the Spanish language


Arabic influence on the Spanish language overwhelmingly dates from the Muslim rule primarily in Southern Iberia between 711 and 1492 during the Al-Andalus era. The influence results mainly from the large number of Arabic loanwords and derivations in Spanish, plus a few other less obvious influences which make 8% of the Spanish dictionary - the second largest lexical influence on Spanish after Latin.

History

The Spanish language, also called Castilian, is a Romance language that evolved from the dialects of Roman Vulgar Latin spoken in the Iberian peninsula. The first documents written in a language with some features specific of modern Spanish are ascribed to a number of documents from different monasteries in the area of Burgos and La Rioja in what is now northern Spain. However, Toledo in central Spain, which became the capital of the early Kingdom of Castile during its southward expansion, is where Spanish began to appear in a written form recognizable today. The pre-existing Mozarabic dialect of this region is therefore likely to have also had an important formative influence on modern Spanish.
The lexical influence of Arabic reached its greatest level during the Christian Reconquista, when the emerging Kingdom of Castile conquered large territories from Moorish rulers particularly in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. These territories, which included the former Taifa of Toledo, had large numbers of Arabic speakers, as well as many who spoke local Romance dialects that were heavily influenced by Arabic, both influencing Castilian. It is possible that Arabic words and their derivatives had also been priorly brought into Castilian by Mozarab Christians who emigrated northwards from Al Andalus in times of sectarian violence, particularly during the times of Almohad and Almoravid rule in the 12th and 13th centuries. As such, Arabic can be considered to have had a formative influence on the Spanish language.
The degree to which the Arabic language percolated through the Iberian Peninsula varied enormously from one period and area to another and is the subject of academic debate. However, it is generally agreed that, in much of the peninsula, Arabic was used among the local elites, Muslims and Christians, and that the prevalent vernacular in many areas was Mozarabic, a continuum of Arabic-influenced local Romance dialects. Only the southern third of the peninsula became totally Arabized as both Mozarabic and Christianity were extinguished following the Almoravid and Almohad periods.
Much of the Arabic influence upon Spanish came through the various Arabized Romance dialects that were spoken in areas under Moorish rule, known today by scholars as Mozarabic. This resulted in Spanish often having both Arabic and Latin derived words with the same meaning. For example, aceituna and oliva, alacrán and escorpión, jaqueca and migraña, alcancía and hucha.
The influence of the Arabized Mozarabic and of Arabic itself is more noticeable in the Spanish dialects from regions with a longer history of Moorish domination than those where it was shorter-lived. For this reason, the dialects of the southern half of the country, known collectively as castellano meridional or Southern Castilian, seem collectively to show a higher degree of preference for Arabisms. Northern Spanish dialects tend to prefer Romance synonyms to terms of Arabic origin, such as the Romance calendario vs. Arabic almanaque, hucha vs. alcancía, espliego vs. alhucema, etc. Because Canarian and all Latin American dialects are mainly derived from Southern Castilian, Spanish words of Arabic origin are common in most varieties of Modern Spanish.
A number of words were also borrowed from Moroccan Arabic principally as a result of Spain's protectorate over Spanish Morocco in the 19th and 20th centuries, although these are of minor significance.
The Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands has also adopted a small number of words from Hassaniya Arabic, principally from Canarian sailors who fish in proximity to the Saharan coast as well as by those Canarians who returned from Western Sahara after the Green March of 1975.

Lexical influence

The influence of Arabic on the Spanish language is fundamentally lexical but its other influences are also briefly examined in this article. It is estimated that there are about one thousand Arabic roots, and approximately three thousand derived words, for a total of around four thousand words or 8% of the Spanish dictionary - the second largest lexical influence on Spanish after Latin. See Influences on the Spanish language for more on how the number of Arabisms in Spanish has been estimated. The exact number of words of Arabic origin and their derivatives in Spanish is not known, and many words not included on this list are regionalisms: words which are used in certain parts of Spain and/or Latin America but are generally unknown elsewhere.
The high point of Arabic word use in Spanish was in late medieval times and has declined since then, but hundreds are still used in normal conversation. A larger majority of these words are nouns, with a number of verbs and adjectives derived directly from these nouns, e.g. alquilar and alquilado from alquiler, most of which are excluded from this list. There is also one preposition: hasta, and one adverb: he. There has been little influence on the basic grammatical structure of the language.

List of words of Arabic origin

This is an open list of Spanish words acquired directly from Classical and Andalusi Arabic, listed in alphabetical order. This list includes the Spanish meaning of the word as well as the Arabic etymology. No fixed standard of Arabic transliteration is used.
Rationale for inclusion
Due to the large influence of Arabic on Spanish vocabulary, this list is relatively restrictive:

The etymology and meaning of most of these words can be verified on the site of the , although a small minority are only available in other sources or past editions of this dictionary.
Many of these words will be unfamiliar to many Spanish speakers because their use is restricted to certain regions of Spain or Spanish-speaking countries or they are no longer in regular use. For example, the word for Arabic-derived word for "jewel" alhaja is very common in Mexico whereas in Spain it is restricted to rural areas of the southern half of the country, the alternative Spanish term joya being much more common. On the other hand the Arabic derived term for fruit juice zumo is the standard term in Spain whereas it is virtually unknown on Latin America, where the Latin-derived jugo or agua are generally used. The Arabic term alberca in Spain refers to agricultural water deposits, whereas in Mexico it is the common term used for swimming pool as opposed to piscina elsewhere or pileta in Argentina.
Note: the Spanish words beginning "a-" or "al-" is from the Arabic definitive article "al-" referring to the grammatical article English "the".

A (Ababol to Alguaza)

  1. ababol: poppy, in Aragon, Navarre, Albacete and Murcia. From Andalusian Arabic Happapáwr, a fusion from the Arabic plural al-ḥabūb, the generic term for "seeds, beans or grains", and the Latin papāver.
  2. abacero: owner of an abacería, small food shop. From Andalusi Arabic *ṣaḥb uz-zād "owner of supplies."
  3. abadí: descendant/lineage of Mohammed ben Abad, founder of the Taifa Kingdom of Seville in the 11th century AD. From Andalusi Arabic 'abbādī.
  4. abalorio: cheap jewellery or jewellery beads. From Andalusi Arabic and Arabic al-ballūriy " glass or clear as crystal". Ultimately from Greek βήρυλλος, "beryl"
  5. abarraz: stavesacre, a medicinal plant. From Andalusian Arabic ḥább arrás "head seeds."
  6. abasí: pertaining to the Abbasid dynasty, which overthrew the Umayyads in the 8th century.
  7. abelmosco: musk seeds, an aromatic plant. From Andalusi Arabic ḥabb al musk literally "musk seeds." Classical Arabic ḥabbu 'l musk.
  8. abencerraje: used in expression: "Zegríes y abencerrajes", "partisans of opposite interests". The Abencerrajes was an Arabic family of the Kingdom of Granada, rivals of the Zegríes in the 15th century.
  9. abenuz: ebony. From Arabic abanūs of the same meaning but in Arabic referring to the "black wood" of the tropical tree.
  10. abismal: screw in head of a spear. From Arabic al-mismar "nail."
  11. abitaque: a cut of wood used in construction of a certain shape and dimension. From Arabic aṭ-ṭabaqah "layer" or "intermediate chamber" or "group, standard, type"
  12. acebibe: raisin. From Arabic az-zabīb of the same meaning but also "dried grape" or "currant"
  13. acebuche: wild olive tree, or wood from such a tree. From Andalusi Arabic azzabbúǧ.
  14. aceche: copper, iron or zinc sulphate. From Andalusi Arabic *azzáj, < az-zāj, <. From Classical Arabic az-zāj, meaning vitriol - sulphuric acid or a sulphate.
  15. aceifa: Muslim summer military expedition. From Arabic aṣ-ṣayf , "summer".
  16. aceite: oil. From Arabic az-zayt "oil".
  17. aceituna: olive. From Arabic az-zaytūn "olive".
  18. aceituní: precious cloth from the Orient. From Arabic az-zaytuni, a possible adaptation of the Chinese city Tsö-Thung.
  19. acelga: Chard. From Arabic as-salq of the same meaning.
  20. acémila: beast of burden; tax formerly paid in Spain. From Arabic az-zamilah "beast of burden", most likely stemming the Arabic scientific term for "pack-animal", "aḍ-ḍābatu 'l-ḥaml "
  21. acemite: wheat husk; a type of wheat porridge. From Arabic semolina, as-samid.
  22. acenefa: see cenefa.
  23. aceña: watermill. From Arabic as-saniyah "the lifter."
  24. acequia: irrigation canal. From Arabic as-saqiyah "the irrigator."
  25. acerola: fruit of the trees Malpighia emarginata or M. glabra, generally found in the Americas, of the Malpighiaceae family. This should be differentiated from the European Service Rowan Tree, family Rosaceae. From Arabic zu 'rūrah. Originally from Syriac za‘rārā.
  26. acetre: bucket or cauldron used to extract water from a well; small cauldron used to spray holy water in Christian liturgy. From Arabic as-saṭl.
  27. aciar: : instrument used to keep farm-animals still by squeezing their ear or snout. From Arabic az-ziyār.
  28. acíbar: aloe ; bitterness, grief, distaste. From Arabic aṣ-ṣabir.
  29. acicalar: to clean or polish ; to make oneself look good by combing, shaving etc. From Arabic aṣ-ṣaql, an instrument used for polishing things.
  30. acicate: spurs or the spikes on spurs; incentive. From Arabic as-siqaT "what takes away weaknesses."
  31. acidaque: Muslim dowry. From Arabic aṣ-ṣadāq, dowry in Islamic law.
  32. acimut: azimuth, an astronomical concept - the angle with which the meridian forms a vertical circle which passes through a point in the globe. From Arabic as-sumut plural of samt سَمْت.
  33. ación: handle on the stirrup. From Arabic as-suyūr, plural of sayr "strap" or "belt"
  34. acirate: line of soil used to separate different plots of land; path between two lines of trees. From Arabic aṣ-ṣirāṭ.
  35. acitara or citara: thin wall, normally on a bridge. From Arabic as-sitārah, wall to avoid falls - possibly from the Arabic for curtain, drapes or "hangings".
  36. achacar: to blame. From Arabic tashakkà : to complain or to blame.
  37. adafina: pot used by Jews to cook. It is buried in embers on Friday night, where it cooks until Saturday. From Arabic: dafina "buried", alternative meaning "hidden treasure"
  38. adalid: leader; general of Spanish militia. From Arabic dalil.
  39. adaraja: each of the gaps made by the bricks in a horizontally unfinished wall. From daraja.
  40. adarga: leather shield. From Arabic daraqah.
  41. adárgama: flour, rarely used today. From Arabic darmaka.
  42. adarme: small portion of something; type of measurement. From Arabic dirham.
  43. adarvar: to shock. From Arabic dharb "blow."
  44. adarve: wall of a fortress; protection, defense. From Arabic dharb
  45. adaza: sorghum. From Arabic duqsah.
  46. adefera: a small, square wall or floor tile. From Arabic add-ddafeera.
  47. adehala: that which is granted or taken as obligatory with the price in the leasing or sale of a property. From Mozarabic ad ihala and originally from Arabic ihala "offering credit."
  48. adelfa: oleander. From Arabic ad-difla of the same meaning.
  49. ademán: gesticulation which expresses the will to do something. From Arabic adh-dhamān, literally meaning legal guarantees. The change of meaning is due to the exaggerated promises and gesticulations which were offered in such a plea.
  50. ademe: wooden structures used to strengthen tunnels in mines. From Arabic da'm, meaning "buttress, support, fortify, pillar, hold up".
  51. aderra: cord used to press grapes or olives in order to obtain their juice. From Andalusi Arabic ad-dirra a noose or cord used to punish those who were guilty of fraud.
  52. adiafa: present or refreshment given to sailors when back from a voyage. From Arabic Diyafa "present of hospitality", the word for "accommodation, hospitality, housing" or "hospitable reception"
  53. adivas: a disease provoking throat inflammation in animals. From Arabic aD-Dibbah "wolverine", which is the old Arabic name for this disease. Most likely the disease lupus, aḍ-ḍa'ab
  54. adive: a type of canid similar to a fox. From Arabic aḍ-ḍi'b.
  55. adobe: brick made from clay. From Arabic aṭ-ṭūbah of the same meaning, and from ad-dabba.
  56. adoquín: paving-stone, cobble; block. From Arabic Dukkan bench of rock or wood.
  57. ador: in regions where water for irrigation is restricted and shared out by local authorities, irrigation-time for each farm/field. From Arabic dawr.
  58. aduana: customs house; customs. From Arabic diwaan.
  59. aduar: semi-permanent rural settlement, normally used for Gypsies, Bedouins or Amerindians in South America. From Bedouin Arabic duwwar.
  60. adúcar: type of silk made from the outside of the silk-worm's cocoon. From Andalusi Arabic Haduqa.
  61. adufe: tambourine used by Spanish Muslims. Originally from Arabic ad-duff, the generic word for tambourine.
  62. adul: in Morocco, assessor of the Cadí. From Arabic ‘adl, "honorable, trustworthy person" or "fair, impartial".
  63. adula: see dula.
  64. adunia: lots. From Andalusi Arabic addunya, originally from classical Arabic ad-dunyā "the world", "the material world"
  65. adutaque: same meaning as adárgama. From Arabic ad-duqāq "fine flour" or "flour meal".
  66. afán: effort; desire; zeal. From afanar.
  67. afanar: to steal; to work with passion. From Arabic al-fanā‘ "extinction, extinction, destruction, vanishing", the notion, emotion of "annihilation through passion", used in poetry or to describe a type of madness
  68. aguajaque: the whitish resin of fennel. From Arabic aw-washaq "contaminated with water."
  69. agüela: Income from interest on loans assigned in public documents; Renta de los derechos sobre préstamos consignados en documento público. From Arabic Hawalah.
  70. ajabeba: Moorish flute. From Classical Arabic ash-shabbābah, the generic word for "flute, clarinet".
  71. ajaquefa: Roof. Same origin as Azaquefa.
  72. ajaraca: Ornamental loop in Andalusian and Arabic architecture. From Andalusi Arabic Ash-sharakah "loop".
  73. ajarafe: terrace. From Classical Arabic saraf "commanding height."
  74. ajebe: Alum; Para rubber tree. From Arabic ash-Shabb.
  75. ajedrea: plant in the genus Satureja, about 30 cm in height, with many branches and dark, narrow leaves. It is cultivated as an ornamental in gardens. From Arabic assariyya or assiriyya, ultimately from Latin satureia.
  76. ajedrez: chess. From Arabic ash shatranj which is from Persian Shatranj from the Sanskrit Chaturang as was the shape of the original chess board in India
  77. ajenuz: nutmeg flower or Roman Coriander. From Andalusi Arabic Shanuz and ultimately Classical Arabic Shuniz.
  78. ajimez: bent; window divided in the center by a vertical divider; salient balcony done of wood and with lattice windows. From Arabic samis.
  79. ajomate: pluricellular alga formed by very thin filaments, without knots, bright and of intense green color. It abounds in fresh waters of Spain. From Classical Arabic gumam.
  80. ajonjolí: sesame; herbaceous, annual plant of the family of the Pedaliaceae, a meter high, straight stem, serrate and almost triangular leaves, white or rosy corolla, and fruit with four delicate, yellowish, oily and edible capsules and many seeds. From Classical Arabic gulgulan "sesame."
  81. ajorca: bangle; type of gold hoop, silver or another metal, used by the women to adorn the wrists, arms or the feet. From Classical Arabic shuruk, ultimately from the word shirāk "strap."
  82. ajorrar: To drag, to tow. See Jorro.
  83. ajuagas: equine animal ulcers. From Classical Arabic shuqaq.
  84. ajuar: dowry, a collection of household and personal items which women in Spain traditionally prepare from a young age for the day in which they marry and move in with their husband. From Arabic Shawar.
  85. alacena: cupboard. From Classical Arabic ẖizānah.
  86. alacet: foundation of a building. From Classical Arabic asas.
  87. alacrán: scorpion. From Classical Arabic aqrab of same meaning.
  88. aladar: Tuft of hair which falls on either side of the head. From Arabic idar.
  89. aladroque: Anchovy. From Andalusi Arabic Al Hatruk, "big mouthed".
  90. alafa: wage; pay. From Classical Arabic alafah "subsistence allowance."
  91. alafia: grace; pardon; mercy. From Andalusian Arabic al afya ultimately from Classical Arabic afiyah "health."
  92. alahílca: tapestry to adorn the walls. Perhaps of alailaca from Andalusian Arabic ilaqa, and this of Classical Arabic ilāqah perhaps meaning "hanger."
  93. alajor: Tax which was paid to owners of land where buildings were built. From Arabic Ashur, period of ten days before Easter when debts were paid and alms were given.
  94. alajú: Andalusian cake made of almonds, nuts, pine nuts, bread, spices and cooked honey. From al Hashu "filling".
  95. alamar: A type of decorative attachment which is buttoned on clothing. From Andalusi Arabic Alam, decoration.
  96. alambique: alembic, alchemical still consisting of two vessels connected by a tube, used for distilling chemicals. From Arabic al-anbiq "the cup/container holding water", in turn from Greek.
  97. alambor: Two meanings in Spanish with two different etymologies. 1) Embankment, from Andalusi Arabic Harabul "rim", from classical Arabic verb Hawwala, "to alter". 2) Type of orange tree. From Catalan l'ambor, singular of els zambors, derived from Andalusi Arabic Azzambu.
  98. alamín: Village judge who decided on irrigation distribution or official who measured weights. From Arabic al-amin.
  99. alamud: Steel bar used to close windows. From Arabic amud.
  100. alaqueca: A type of blood-coloured quartz. From Arabic 'aqiq.
  101. alárabe: Arab. From Andalusi Arabic, maintaining the definite article al arabi.
  102. alarde/alardear: To boast/to show off. From Arabic "show"
  103. alarife: 1) Architect 2) Builder Astute or quick witted person. From Arabic al 'arif: The expert.
  104. alarije : A type of grape. From Arabic al'aris.
  105. alaroz: Crossbar which divides a window or a door. From Arabic al'arud: Obstacle placed to block entry.
  106. alaroza: Fiancée or newly wed wife. From Arabic Andalusi Arabic al-arusa.
  107. alatar: Drug, spice or perfume dealer. From Arabic al attar.
  108. alatrón: Nitrate foam. From Arabic an-nattrun.
  109. alazán/alazano: Reddish cinnamon coloured, used commonly to describe sorrel-coloured horses. From Arabic al-as·hab. From Andalusian Arabic الاسهاب, from Arabic اَصْهَب.
  110. alazor: safflower. From Arabic al-usfur.
  111. albacara: Wall around a fortress, within which cattle were normally kept. From Arabic bab al-baqqara "The cattle gate/door". baqara means "cow" in Arabic.
  112. albacea: Executor. From Andalusi Arabic Sahb al Wassiya ; "The owner of the will".
  113. albacora: Albacore. From Arabic al-bakura "premature" or al-bakrah "young camel."
  114. albadena: Type of tunic or silk dress. From Arabic badan: Type of shirt which covers the torso.
  115. albahaca: Basil. From Arabic al-habaqah.
  116. albahío: Pale yellowish colour, used commonly for cattle. From Arabic bahi: "Shining".
  117. albalá: Official document. From Arabic al-bara'ah.
  118. albaida: Anthyllis cystoides. From Arabic al-baida: "The white one".
  119. albanega: 1) Net used for hair. 2) Rabbit trap. From Arabic al-baniqa.
  120. albañal: Sewer. From Andalusi Arabic al-ballá: "swallower".
  121. albañil: Construction worker. From Andalusi Arabic al-banni. Originally from classical Arabic banna.
  122. albaquía: The remainder. From Arabic al-baqi of the same meaning.
  123. albarán: Invoice. From Arabic al-bara'ah.
  124. albarazo: Vitiligo. From Andalusi Arabic Al-Barash.
  125. albarda: Pack-saddle. From Arabic al-barda'ah.
  126. albardán: Clown or fool. From Andalusi Arabic albardán: "insolent". Originally from Classical Arabic bardan: "Idiot ".
  127. albardín: Plant endemic to the Spanish steppes, similar in nature and use to Esparto. From Arabic "al-bardi": "papyrus".
  128. albaricoque: Apricot. From Arabic al-barqouq "plum" or "early-ripe."
  129. albarrada: 1) Clay vase, see alcarraza. 2) Stone wall. From Arabic al-barradah: "the cooler".
  130. albarrán: 1) Farm boy 2) Shepherd 3) Person with no fixed residence. From Andalusi Arabic al-barrani: "Outsider".
  131. albatoza: Small, covered boat. From Arabic al-gattosha: grebe. Due to the Arabic custom of giving names of birds to vessels.
  132. albayalde: Cerrusite. From Arabic al-bayad.
  133. albéitar: Vet. From Arabic al-baytar.
  134. albenda: Decorated white linen. From Arabic al-band.
  135. alberca: Water deposit for irrigation. In Mexico and Honduras it is also the term of choice for swimming pool. From Arabic al-birka.
  136. albérchigo: Apricot tree. From Andalusi Arabic al-bershiq.
  137. albihar: Mayweed. From Arabic al-bahar.
  138. albitana: 1) Fence to protect plants in gardening. 2) Prolongation of the keel or stern post of a ship. From Arabic al-bitana.
  139. alboaire: The craft of decorating churches and domes with "azulejos". From Andalusi Arabic al-buhaira: lagoon.
  140. albogue: Single-reed clarinet used in Spain. From Arabic al-bûq : The horn or the trumpet.
  141. alboheza: Malva, from Andalusi Arabic al-hubayza.
  142. albohol: Morning glory, from Andalusi Arabic al-hubuul: "rope".
  143. albollón: Drainage or sewage. From Mozarabic Ballaón and ultimately from Classical Arabic balla'ah.
  144. albóndiga: Meatball; ball. From Arabic al-bunduqa "the ball."
  145. albórbola: Joy, celebratory noise. From Arabic walwalah.
  146. alborga: Matweed sandal. From Arabic albúlḡa.
  147. albornía: A type of large vase. From Arabic barniya.
  148. albornoz: Bath-robe. From al-burnos ; "robe".
  149. alboronía: A type of Andalusian vegetable stew. From Arabic al buranniya "Buran's." Buran was the wife of Caliph Ma'moun.
  150. alboroque: 1) A present or gratuity given in exchange for a service. 2) The kind treatment and lavish attention offered and received in anticipation of a commercial transaction. From Andalusi Arabic al-borok, possibly ultimately from Classical Arabic arbun.
  151. alboroto: Riot, joy. Comes from arabism alborozo, from andalusí Arabic al-burúz derived from Classical Arabic al-burūz, "military parade previous to a campaign"; or related to Latin volutāre.
  152. alborozo: Extreme chaos or happiness. From Andalusi Arabic al-buruz: "Military parade prior to an expedition".
  153. albotín: Turpentine Tree. From Arabic butm of the same meaning.
  154. albricias: 1) Term used to congratulate someone. 2) Present or gift provided to a bringer of good news. From Arabic bushra.
  155. albudeca: A bad watermelon. From Andalusi Arabic al batiha.
  156. albufera: Lagoon. From Arabic al buhaira.
  157. albur: This term has a wide range of meanings: 1) Flathead mullet A card combination in a card game known as Banca, 3) A chance occurrence on which an enterprise hedges its bets, 4) An expression which has a double or hidden meaning An amourous affair A lie, slander or rumour. From Arabic al-boori.
  158. alcabala: 1) A tax on commercial transactions. 2) Police checkpoint outside cities and on main roads. From Andalusi Arabic al qabala.
  159. alcabor: Hollow interior of a chimney or oven. From Arabic al qabw.
  160. alcabtea: A type of linen. From Arabic al qubtiya, meaning "Egyptian" or "Coptic".
  161. alcacel or alcacer: 1) Green barley 2) A barley field. From Arabic al qasil.
  162. alcachofa: Artichoke. From Arabic al-ẖarshoof of the same meaning.
  163. alcaduz: Water pipe. From Arabic Qâdûs meaning "water-wheel scoop".
  164. alcafar: Limbs of a cuadruped. From Arabic al kafal.
  165. alcahaz: Birdcage. From Arabic qafaṣ of the same meaning
  166. alcahuete: Accomplice, pimp, a person who helps another in a love affair, specially an illicit one; gossipy person. Alcahuete comes from Hispanic Arabic alqawwad, and this from Classical Arabic qawwad. This "messenger" carried messages to a married woman's lover. By extension it became commonly known as any person who sets up a love affair, generally illicit.
  167. alcaicería: an establishment where silk farmers presented their produce, under the rights reserved to the Muslim rulers in Granada and other towns of the Nasrid Kingdom. From Andalusi Arabic Al-Qaysariya, originally from the Latin Caesarea.
  168. alcaide: a term historically referred to various positions of government authority. In modern Spanish commonly refers to a prison warden. From Arabic al qa'id, "military commander".
  169. alcalde: Mayor. From Arabic al-qadi. Qadi comes from the verb qada.
  170. álcali: Alkali. From Arabic qalawi of the same meaning.
  171. alcaller: Clay artisan or his helper. From Andalusi Arabic al qallal.
  172. alcamiz: An obsolete term referring to a list of soldiers. Its etymology is an erroneous transmission of at-taymiz, "Military inspection" in Andalusi Arabic and "Distinction" in Classical Arabic.
  173. alcamonías: Seeds used in spice mixes such as anisseed or cumin. It is also a now obsolete expression referring to the act of hiding things. From Arabic kammuniya, a cumin-based concoction.
  174. alcana: Henna or Henna tree. From Arabic, hinna.
  175. alcaná: Commercial street or neighbourhood. From Arabic qanaah: "Drains or water pipes".
  176. alcancía: Clay money box, penny or piggy bank. From Andalusi Arabic alkanzíyya, derived from classical Arabic kanz: "treasure".
  177. alcándara: Hook used to hang clothes or fowl. From Arabic Kandarah.
  178. alcandía: Sorghum. From Andalusi Arabic qatniyya.
  179. alcandora: A type of shirt. From Arabic qandura.
  180. alcanería: A now obsolete rural term for a type of artichoke. From Andalusi Arabic al-qannariya, an Arabic rendering of the Latin cannaria.
  181. alcanfor: Camphor. From Andalusi Arabic Al-Kafur.
  182. alcántara/alcantarilla: Drain. From Arabic al-qantarah meaning "bridge".
  183. alcaparra: Caper. From Andalusian Arabic al-kaparra. Via Latin and Greek.
  184. alcaraván: Stone-Curlew. From Andalusian Arabic al-karawan.
  185. alcaravea: Caraway. From Andalusi Arabic al-Karawiya.
  186. alcarceña: Name given to the Ervil and the Carob. From Andalusi Arabic al-kershana, meaning "the big bellied", due to the plants causing a swelled stomach when consumed in large quantities.
  187. alcarraza: A type of clay container similar to a Spanish Botijo. From Andalusi Arabic al-karraza. Ultimately from Persian Koraz.
  188. alcarria: Of uncertain Arabic etymology. Refers to a flat highland with little vegetation.
  189. alcatenes: A type of medicine which is mixed with copper sulfate to treat ulcers. From Arabic al-qutn.
  190. alcatara : Alembic. From Arabic root for the verb "to distill" qattara.
  191. alcatifa: Thin carpet or underlay for carpet. From Arabic al-qatifa.
  192. alcatraz: Cormorant. From Arabic القطرس al-qaṭrās, meaning "sea eagle".
  193. alcaucil: Artichoke. From Spanish Andalusi Arabic alqabsíl, that comes from Mozarab diminutive kapićéḻa, and this from Spanish Latin capĭtia, "head". Standard Latin, caput-itis.
  194. alcaudon: Shrike. From Andalusi Arabic al-kaptan.
  195. alcavela/alcavera: Mob, herd, family, tribe. From Arabic al-qabila.
  196. alcayata: Metallic hanger or hook. From Andalusi Arabic al-kayata, originally from Latin Caia
  197. alcazaba: Palace. From Arabic al-qasbah,, "the quarter".
  198. alcázar: Citadel; palace. From Arabic al-qasr "the citadel."
  199. alcazuz
  200. alcoba: Alcove. From Arabic al-qubba "the vault" or "the arch."
  201. alcohela
  202. alcohol: From Arabic al-kuhul, fine powder of antimony sulfide used as eye makeup.
  203. alcoholar
  204. alcolla
  205. alcor
  206. alcora
  207. alcorcí
  208. alcorque
  209. alcorza
  210. alcotán
  211. alcotana
  212. alcrebite
  213. alcuacil
  214. alcubilla
  215. alcuña
  216. alcuza
  217. alcuzcuz
  218. alchub
  219. aldaba
  220. aldea/aldeano: Village / Villager.
  221. aldiza
  222. alefriz
  223. aleja
  224. alejija
  225. alema
  226. alerce
  227. aletría
  228. aleve/alevoso/alevosía: from Hispanic Arabic al'áyb and the latter from Classical Arabic áyb, "defect, blemish, or smudge of infamy"
  229. aleya
  230. alfaba
  231. alfábega
  232. alfadía
  233. alfaguara: Geyser. From Arabic fawwâra : "spout, fountain, water jet".
  234. alfahar/alfaharería
  235. alfaida
  236. alfajeme
  237. alfajor: Sweet almond shortbread. From Spanish Arabic fašúr, and this from Persian afšor.
  238. alfalfa: alfalfa hay. From Hispanic Arabic alfáṣfaṣ, from Classical Arabic fiṣfiṣah, and this from Pelvi aspast.
  239. alfaneque: 1) A type of bird, from Arabic al-fanak 2) A tent, from Berber afarag.
  240. alfanje: A type of sword. From Arabic al-janyar "dagger".
  241. alfaque
  242. alfaqueque
  243. alfaquí
  244. alfaquín
  245. alfaraz
  246. alfarda: Two meanings; from Arabic al-farda and from Arabic al-fardda.
  247. alfarero: potter.
  248. alfardón
  249. alfareme
  250. alfarje
  251. alfarrazar
  252. alfaya
  253. alfayate
  254. alfazaque
  255. alféizar: Window ledge. From Arabic al-hayzar, "The one which takes possession".
  256. alfeñique
  257. alferecía
  258. alferez
  259. alferraz
  260. alferza: Piece, known as Vizir in other languages, corresponding to the modern chess "queen", from which modern chess developed in medieval Spain. From Andalusi Arabic Al Farza, ultimately from Persian Farzan, "the guardian".
  261. alficoz
  262. alfil: Bishop, in chess. From Arabic al-fiyl "The elephant."
  263. alfilel/alfiler
  264. alfinge
  265. alfitete
  266. alfiz
  267. alfolí
  268. alfombra: Carpet. Two meanings; from Arabic al-jumra and from Arabic al-humra.
  269. alfóncigo: Pistachio. From Arabic al-fustuq.
  270. alfóndiga
  271. alforfón
  272. alforja: Saddlebag. From Arabic al-khurj "saddle-bag", portmanteau.
  273. alforre
  274. alforrocho
  275. alforza
  276. alfóstiga
  277. alfoz: Neighborhood, district. From Arabic hauz meaning "Precinct" or "City limits".
  278. algaba
  279. algadara
  280. algaida
  281. algalaba
  282. algalia
  283. algalife
  284. algar
  285. algara
  286. algarada
  287. algarabía: Incomprehensible talk; gabble; gibberish. From Arabic al-'arabiya: "Arabic".
  288. algarivo
  289. algarazo: Short rainstorm. From Arabic al 'ard: "cloud".
  290. algarrada
  291. algarrobo: Carob. From Arabic al-kharouba "the carob."
  292. algavaro
  293. algazafán
  294. algazara
  295. algazul
  296. álgebra: Algebra. From the name of al-Khwarizmi's book Hisab al-jabr w’al-muqabala "The Calculus of Subtraction and Equality."
  297. algodón: Cotton. From Arabic "al-qúţun ", meaning "The cotton", "Egyptian", "Coptic".
  298. algorfa
  299. algoritmo: algorithm, comes from the name of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, محمد بن موسى الخوارزمي, famous mathematician.
  300. algorza:
  301. alguacil: Sheriff. From Arabic "al-wazîr ", meaning "Minister".
  302. alguaquida: fuel for a fire. From Arabic waqîda meaning "Fuel"
  303. alguaza': Window or door hinge.From Arabic wasl "juncture".

    A (Alhadida to Azumbre)

  304. alhadida: Old Spanish term for Hadith.
  305. alhaite: Jewel. From Arabic al hayt "string". الخيط
  306. alhaja: Jewel. From Arabic al-hajah "the valuable thing." الحاجة
  307. alhamar: Red mattress or bed cover. From Arabic hanbal, "fur bedcover". Also from Arabic Alhamar / Al-Ahmar "red".
  308. alhamel: Beast of burden or human porter, in Andalusian Spanish. From Arabic hammal. الحامل، حمّال
  309. alhamí: Stone bench normally covered with azulejos. Refers to the Grenadine town of Alhama.
  310. alhandal: Colocynth. From Arabic Alhandhal. الحنظل
  311. alhanía: 1) Bedroom 2) Cupboard 3) A type of small mattress. From Andalusi Arabic al haniyya, "alcove".
  312. alhaquín: Weaver. From Arabic plural Al Hayikeen, "weavers". الحيّاكين
  313. alharaca: Violent reaction to a small issue. From Arabic haraka. حركة
  314. alhavara: Flour. From Arabic huwara.
  315. alhelí: Aegean Wallflower. From Arabic hiri.
  316. alheña: Spanish word for Henna and the plant from which it is derived.
  317. alholva: Fenugreek. From Arabic hulbah.
  318. alhorí: Same meaning and etymology as more commonly used term alfolí.
  319. alhorre: 1) Feaces of a newborn child. From Arabic hur, "feaces". 2) Common skin rash in babies, nappy rash. Commonly used in expression "Yo te curaré el alhorre!" when threatening to beat a child. From Arabic shakatu el hurr, "skin infection".
  320. alhorría: : Expression used for when a slave is freed. From Arabic al-hurriya, "freedom".
  321. alhucema: Lavender. From Arabic huzama.
  322. alhuceña: Woodruff. From Arabic uhshina.
  323. aliara: Drinking horn. From Andalusian Arabic al fiyara.
  324. alicante: Vernacular name of two different types of poisonous snakes present in Spain and Northern Mexico respectively. From Arabic al aqrab, "scorpion".
  325. alicatar: To till. From Arabic qat, "to cut".
  326. alicate: Pliers. From Arabic laqaat, "tongs".
  327. alidada: Alidade. From Andalusian Arabic al'idada.
  328. alifa: Sugar cane, two years old, in Andalusian and Mexican Spanish. From Arabic halifa "successor".
  329. alifafe: 1) Light indisposition. 2) Type of tumor which develops on the legs of horses from excessive work. From Arabic ifash "sowing bag".
  330. alifara
  331. alijar
  332. alimara
  333. alioj
  334. alirón
  335. alizace
  336. alizar
  337. aljaba
  338. aljabibe
  339. aljama
  340. aljamía/aljamiado: Medieval Romance Spanish or Mozarabic written in Arabic script.
  341. aljaraz
  342. aljarfa
  343. aljébana
  344. aljerife
  345. aljez
  346. aljibe
  347. aljófar/aljofarar
  348. aljofifa
  349. aljor
  350. aljuba
  351. aljuma
  352. añagaza
  353. almacabra
  354. almacén: Deposit, dry goods store. From Arabic al-majzan of makhzan "the storage" or "the depot."
  355. almacería
  356. almáciga
  357. almadén
  358. almádena
  359. almadía
  360. almadraba: Tuna fishing in Andalusia and particularly in Cadiz province. From Andalusi Arabic Al-madraba, "place where to hit", in reference to the fishing technique.
  361. almadraque
  362. almagazén
  363. almagra
  364. almahala
  365. almaizar
  366. almaja
  367. almajaneque
  368. almajar
  369. almajara
  370. almalafa
  371. almanaque: almanac. From Andalusian Arabic almanáẖ "calendar", from Arabic munāẖ "caravan stop", or from Greek almenichiakon "calendar."
  372. almacebe
  373. almarada
  374. almarbate
  375. almarcha
  376. almarjo
  377. almarrá
  378. almarraja or almarraza
  379. almártaga: two meanings, from al-marta'a and al martak.
  380. almástica
  381. almatroque
  382. almazara: Olive press. From Arabic "al-ma'sarah", "juicer".
  383. almazarrón
  384. almea: two meanings, from almay'a and alima.
  385. almejía
  386. almenara: two meanings, from al-manara and al-minhara.
  387. almez
  388. almíbar: sugar syrup, juice concentrate.
  389. almicantarat
  390. almijar
  391. almijara
  392. almijarra
  393. almimbar
  394. alminar
  395. almiraj/almiraje/almiral
  396. almirez
  397. almirón: Dandelion. From Andalusian Arabic al mirun.
  398. almizate
  399. almizcle/almizque
  400. almocadén
  401. almocafre
  402. almocárabe
  403. almocela
  404. almocrebe
  405. almocrí
  406. almodón
  407. almófar
  408. almofariz
  409. almofía
  410. almofrej/almofrez
  411. almogama
  412. almogávar
  413. almohada: Pillow, from Arabic al-makhada with the same meaning.
  414. almohade
  415. almoharrefa
  416. almohaza
  417. almojábana
  418. almojama: see mojama
  419. almojarife
  420. almojaya
  421. almona
  422. almoneda: Sale or auction. From Arabic munadah.
  423. almoraduj/almoradux
  424. almorávide
  425. almorí
  426. almoronía: see alboronía.
  427. almotacén
  428. almotalafe
  429. almotazaf/almotazán
  430. almozala/almozalla
  431. almud
  432. almuédano
  433. almuerzo: Lunch. Arabic al- + Latin morsus.
  434. almunia: an agricultural settlement, from المُنية meaning desire..
  435. alpargata
  436. alpechín
  437. alpiste
  438. alquería: Farmhouse. From Arabic al-qaria "the village."
  439. aloque
  440. aloquín
  441. alpargata
  442. alquequenje
  443. alquería
  444. alquermes
  445. alquerque: Two meanings, from al-qirq and al-qariq.
  446. alquez
  447. alquezar
  448. alquibla
  449. alquicel
  450. alquiler: Rent. From Arabic Al kira'
  451. alquimia
  452. alquinal
  453. alquitira
  454. alquitrán
  455. alrota
  456. altabaca
  457. altamía
  458. altramuz: Lupin bean. From Arabic at-turmus.
  459. alubia: Pea, bean. From Arabic lubiya.
  460. aludel
  461. aluquete/luquete
  462. alloza
  463. amán
  464. ámbar
  465. ámel
  466. amín
  467. amirí
  468. anacalo
  469. anacora
  470. anafaga
  471. anafalla/anafaya
  472. anafe
  473. anaquel
  474. andorra
  475. andrajo
  476. anea
  477. anejir
  478. anorza
  479. anúteba
  480. añacal
  481. añacea/añacear
  482. añafea
  483. añafil
  484. añagaza
  485. añascar
  486. añazme
  487. añicos
  488. añil: Ultimately from Sanskrit nilah, "dark blue".
  489. arabí
  490. arancel
  491. arbellón/arbollón
  492. archí
  493. argadillo
  494. argamandel
  495. argamula
  496. argán
  497. argel
  498. argolla
  499. arguello/arguellarse
  500. arije
  501. arimez
  502. arjorán
  503. arnadí
  504. arrabá
  505. arrabal
  506. arracada
  507. arráez
  508. arrayán
  509. arrecife
  510. arrejaque/arrejacar
  511. arrelde
  512. arrequife
  513. arrequive
  514. arriate
  515. arricés
  516. arroba
  517. arrobda
  518. arrocabe
  519. arrope
  520. arroz: Rice.
  521. áscar/áscari
  522. asequi
  523. asesino: Assassin. From Arabic hashshshin "someone who is addicted to hashish." Originally used to refer to the followers of the Persian Hassan-i-Sabah, the Hashshashin.
  524. atabaca
  525. atabal
  526. atabe
  527. atacar: To tie, to button up. From Andalusi Arabic tákka, originally from classical Arabic tikkah, ribbon used to fasten clothes.
  528. atacir
  529. atafarra/ataharre
  530. atafea
  531. atahona
  532. atahorma
  533. ataifor
  534. ataire
  535. atalaya
  536. atalvina
  537. atambor
  538. atanor
  539. atanquía
  540. ataracea
  541. atarazana
  542. atarfe
  543. atarjea
  544. atarraga
  545. atarraya
  546. ataúd: Coffin.
  547. ataujía
  548. ataurique
  549. atifle
  550. atijara
  551. atíncar
  552. atoba
  553. atocha
  554. atracar: To assault, to burgle, to dock a boat, to get stuck, to gorge oneself with food, to cheat, to get stuck. From Arabic Taraqa, "To rise".
  555. atoque
  556. atríaca/atriaca
  557. atún: Tuna.
  558. atutía
  559. auge: surge, rise, boom.
  560. aulaga
  561. avería
  562. ayatolá
  563. azabache
  564. azabara
  565. azacán
  566. azacaya
  567. azache
  568. azafate/azafata
  569. azafrán: Saffron. From Arabic za'firan of the same meaning. Perhaps from safra "yellow."
  570. azahar: White flower, especially from the orange tree. From Spanish Arabic azzahár, and this from Classic Arabic zahr, flowers.
  571. azalá
  572. azamboa
  573. azándar
  574. azaque: Alms-giving or religious tax in Islam. From Arabic zakāt. See article zakat.
  575. azaquefa: Covered portico or patio. From Andalusi Arabic assaqifa, "portico", originally from Arabic as-saqf, meaning "roof" or "upper covering of a building".
  576. azar: Luck; chance. From Arabic az-zahr "the dice" or North African Arabic az-zhar "luck".
  577. azarbe
  578. azarcón
  579. azarja
  580. azarnefe
  581. azarote
  582. azófar
  583. azofra/azofrar
  584. azogue: Two meanings, from az-za'uq and from as-suq.
  585. azolvar
  586. azorafa
  587. azote: Smacking, beating, scourge. From Arabic sawṭ.
  588. azotea: Flat roof or terrace. From Andalusi Arabic assutáyha, diminutive of sath, "terrace" in Classical Arabic.
  589. azoya
  590. azúcar: Sugar. From Arabic sukkar of the same meaning.
  591. azucarí
  592. azucena
  593. azuche
  594. azud
  595. azufaifa/azufaifo
  596. azul: Blue. From Arabic lāzaward, ultimately from Sanskrit.
  597. azulaque
  598. azulejo: Handpainted glazed floor and wall tiles. See also alboaire and alhamí.
  599. azúmbar
  600. azumbre: Measurement for liquids equivalent to around two litres. From Del Andalusi Arabic aTTúmn, and this from Classical Arabic: Tumn, "an eighth".

    B

  601. babismo: Babism. From Arabic باب "door."
  602. babucha: Slippers. From Arabic Baboush, derived from Persian "Papoosh" literally meaning "foot covering". The transition from Persian "p" to Arabic "b" occurs due to lack of the letter p in the Arabic alphabet. "Pa-" in Persian means foot and "poosh" means covering. Persian "pa" or foot shares the same root with other Indo-European languages, i.e. Latin pede, French "pied", Spanish "pie" and "pata", etc.
  603. badal: Cut of meat from the back and ribs of cattle, close to the neck. From Andalusi Arabic bad'a "Calf muscle" derived from classical Arabic bad'ah "piece".
  604. badán: Trunk of an animal. From Arabic badan.
  605. badana: 1) Sheepskin, 2) Hat lining, 3) Lazy person. From Arabic bitana, "lining".
  606. badea: 1) Watermelon or melon of bad quality. 2) Insipid cucumber, 3) Weak person, 4) Unimportant thing. From Arabic battiha "bad melon".
  607. badén: Dip in land, road, sidewalk or ford. From Arabic batin "sunken".
  608. bagarino: Free or hired sailor, as opposed to a press-ganged or enslaven one. Same origin as baharí.
  609. bagre: a freshwater fish that has no scales and has a chin. From Arabic baghir or baghar.
  610. baharí: Bird of prey. From Arabic bahri: "from the sea".
  611. baja: Pasha, Turkish officer or governor of high rank. From Arabic basha ultimately from Turkish pasha of the same meaning.
  612. baladí: 1) Unimportant thing or matter. 2) Something of the land our country. From Arabic baladiy "From the country".
  613. balaj/balaje: Purple ruby. From Arabic Balahshi: From Balahshan.
  614. balate
  615. balda
  616. baldar
  617. balde: 1) Free. 2) Without cause. 3) In vain. From Arabic batil "false" or "useless."
  618. bancal
  619. baño
  620. baraka: Heavenly providence or unusual luck. From Moroccan Arabic. Recently introduced word.
  621. barbacana
  622. barcino
  623. bardaje
  624. bardoma/bardomera
  625. barragán
  626. barrio/barriada: Area, district or neighbourhood in a town. From Arabic barri "outside".
  627. bata: either from Arabic batt or French ouate.
  628. batán
  629. batea
  630. baurac
  631. bayal
  632. belez
  633. bellota: Acorn, the fruit or seed of the oak tree. From Arabic balluta of the same meaning.
  634. ben
  635. benimerín
  636. benjui
  637. berberí
  638. berberís
  639. bereber
  640. berenjena/berenjenal
  641. bezaar/bezoar
  642. biznaga
  643. bocací
  644. bodoque/bodocal
  645. bófeta
  646. bórax
  647. borní
  648. boronía
  649. botor
  650. bujía
  651. bulbul
  652. burche
  653. buz
  654. buzaque

    C

  655. cabila: Tribe of Berbers or Bedouins. From Arabic qabila "tribe."
  656. cachera
  657. cadí: From Arabic qādhiy / qādhī, a "judge", type of public officer appointed to hear and try causes in a court of justice
  658. cadira
  659. café: Coffee. From Arabic qahwa of the same meaning.
  660. cáfila
  661. cafiz
  662. cafre
  663. caftán
  664. cáid
  665. caimacán
  666. cala
  667. calabaza: Pumpkin or squash. From Arabic qerabat, plural of qerbah, meaning wineskin.
  668. calafate/calafatear
  669. calahorra
  670. calí: same root as álcali.
  671. cálibo/calibre
  672. cambuj
  673. camocán
  674. canana: Cartridge belt.
  675. cáncana/cancanilla
  676. cáncano
  677. cande: in azúcar cande.
  678. canfor
  679. caraba
  680. cárabe
  681. cárabo: Owl; dog. Taken from Arabic qaraab and kalb "dog", respectively.
  682. caracoa
  683. caramida
  684. caramuzal
  685. caravana
  686. caravasar
  687. carcajada/carcajear
  688. carcax
  689. carmen/carme: From Spanish Arabic kárm, and this from Classical Arabic karm, vine.
  690. carmesí: Crimson, bluish deep red. From Arabic quirmizi.
  691. carmín
  692. carraca
  693. carrafa
  694. cártama/cártamo
  695. catán
  696. catifa
  697. cazurro
  698. cebiche
  699. cebtí
  700. ceca
  701. cedoaria
  702. cegatero
  703. cegrí
  704. ceje
  705. celemí/celemín/celeminero
  706. cenacho
  707. cendolilla
  708. cenefa
  709. ceneque
  710. cení
  711. cenia
  712. cenit
  713. cequí
  714. cerbatana
  715. cero: Zero. From Arabic sifr of the same meaning.
  716. cetís
  717. ceutí
  718. chafariz
  719. chafarote
  720. chaleco
  721. charrán
  722. chifla
  723. chilabai: From Moroccan Arabic.
  724. chiquero
  725. chirivía
  726. chisme: Gossip.
  727. chivo
  728. choz
  729. chupa
  730. chuzo
  731. cianí
  732. cibica
  733. cica
  734. cicalar
  735. cicatear
  736. cicatero: different root to cicatear.
  737. ciclán
  738. ciclar
  739. ciclatón
  740. cid
  741. cifaque
  742. cifra/cifrar
  743. címbara
  744. cimboga
  745. cimitarra
  746. circón
  747. citara
  748. civeta/civeto
  749. coba/cobista
  750. cofa
  751. coima
  752. coime
  753. colcótar
  754. cora
  755. corán: from qur'aan, the Muslim Holy Book.
  756. corbacho
  757. corma
  758. cotonía
  759. cubeba
  760. cúrcuma
  761. curdo
  762. cuscuta

    D, E

  763. dado: Dice, cube or stamp. From Classical Arabic a'dad "numbers."
  764. daga - dagger
  765. dahír
  766. daifa
  767. dante
  768. darga : Shield.
  769. dársena: Dock / basin.
  770. daza
  771. derviche
  772. descafilar
  773. destartalado
  774. dey
  775. dirham
  776. diván: Divan / couch.
  777. droga: Drug.
  778. druso
  779. dula/dular
  780. edrisí
  781. ejarbe
  782. elche
  783. elemí
  784. embelecar/embeleco
  785. emir
  786. encaramar
  787. enchufar/enchufe: 1) To plug in/plug; 2) To connect, 3) To offer an unmerited job or a post through personal connections. From Andalusi Arabic Juf derived from Classical Arabic jawf "stomach; internal cavity".
  788. engarzar: To set/thread.
  789. enjalma
  790. enjarje
  791. enjeco
  792. escabeche: Pickle or marinade. From Arabic as-sukbaj. Originally from Persian Sekba.
  793. escafilar
  794. escaque/escaquear
  795. espinaca: Spinach.
  796. exarico

    F, G

  797. faca
  798. falagar
  799. falca
  800. falleba
  801. faltriquer: Pocket.
  802. falúa/faluca
  803. fanega/hanega
  804. fanfarrón
  805. faranga : Lazy, idler, loafer.
  806. farda
  807. fardacho
  808. farfán
  809. fárfara
  810. farnaca
  811. farota
  812. farruco: Insolent or "cocky". From Andalusian Arabic Farrouj, "Cock".
  813. felús
  814. fetua
  815. fez
  816. fideo
  817. filelí
  818. foceifiza
  819. fondolí
  820. fondac/fonda
  821. foz
  822. fulano: "any one" without naming, X of people. From Arabic Fulan.
  823. fustal
  824. fustete
  825. gabán
  826. gabela
  827. gacel/gacela
  828. gafetí
  829. galacho
  830. galanga
  831. galbana
  832. gálibo
  833. galima
  834. gandula/gandula
  835. gañan
  836. garbi: Sirocco wind.
  837. garama
  838. garbino
  839. gardacho
  840. garfa
  841. gárgol
  842. garra
  843. garrafa
  844. garrama
  845. garroba
  846. gazpacho
  847. gilí
  848. gomer
  849. granadí
  850. grisgrís
  851. guadamací
  852. guájara
  853. guájete
  854. guala
  855. guarismo
  856. guifa
  857. guilla
  858. gumía
  859. gurapas

    H, I

  860. habiz: Donation of real estate under certain conditions to muslim religious institutions. From Classical Arabic: ḥabīs: amortized.
  861. habús: Same meaning as habiz has in Morocco. From Arabic ḥubūs, "property belonging to the deceased used for charity".
  862. hachís: Hashish. From Classical Arabic Hashish, "grass".
  863. hacino: Miser or from Andalusian Arabic ḥazīn".
  864. hadruba: Hump : From Andalusian Arabic ḥadúbba.
  865. hafiz: Guard or minder. From Andalusian Arabic ḥāfiẓ.
  866. hálara: Same meaning and etymology as fárfara. 1) Interior lining of egg. 2) Coldsfoot. From Andalusian Arabic falḡalála.
  867. hallulla: 1)A type of bread or bun consumed in Spain and parts of Latin America. 2) Nausea From Andalusian Arabic ḥallún.
  868. hamudí: Descendants of Ali Ben Hamud, founders of the Málaga and Algericas Taifas during the 11th century.
  869. haragán: 1) Someone who refuses to work. 2) In Cuba and Venezuela, a type of mop. From Andalusian Arabic: khra kan: "Was shit".
  870. harambel: See "arambel".
  871. harbar
  872. harén
  873. harma
  874. harón
  875. Hasaní
  876. hasta: "Until". From Arabic hatta. Influenced by Latin phrase 'ad ista'
  877. hataca
  878. hazaña
  879. he: Adverb used in following manner: "he aquí/ahí/allí": Here it is/there it is. From Arabic haa.
  880. hégira
  881. hobacho/hobacha
  882. holgazán: Lazy person. From Arabic Kaslan. Influenced by Holgar''.
  883. holgar
  884. hoque/oque
  885. horro/horra
  886. imam, imán
  887. imela
  888. islam

    J, K

  889. jabalí : Wild Boar. From Arabic jebeli: From the mountains. Perhaps originally from Khanzeer Jebelí: Mountain Pig.
  890. jabalón
  891. jábega
  892. jabeca
  893. jabeque
  894. jabí : A type of apple and type of grape. From Andalusi Arabic sha‘bí, a type of apple.
  895. jácara
  896. jácena
  897. jacerino
  898. jadraque
  899. jaez
  900. jaguarzo
  901. jaharí
  902. jaharral
  903. jaharrar
  904. jaima
  905. jaique
  906. jalear
  907. jalma
  908. jaloque
  909. jamacuco
  910. jametería
  911. jámila
  912. japuta
  913. jaque
  914. jaqueca: Migraine. From Arabic Shaqiqa, with same meaning.
  915. jáquima
  916. jara
  917. jarabe: Syrup. From Arabic Sharab. Usually in the context of cough syrup or linctus.
  918. jaraíz
  919. jarcha
  920. jareta
  921. jaricar
  922. jarifo/jarifa
  923. jarquía
  924. jarra: Pitcher or other pot with handle. From ǧarrah, same as English jar.
  925. jatib
  926. jazarino/jazarina
  927. jazmín: jasmine. From Arabic yasmin then from Persian word the same word
  928. jebe
  929. jeliz
  930. jemesía
  931. jeque: From Arabic shaikh or sheikh, older
  932. jerife: From Arabic sharif, noble, respected.
  933. jeta: Snout, face, cheek. From Arabic khatm: "snout".
  934. jifa
  935. jinete
  936. jirafa: giraffe. From ziraffa of the same meaning.
  937. jirel
  938. jofaina: a wide and shallow basin for domestic use. From ǧufaynah.
  939. jofor
  940. jorfe
  941. joroba
  942. jorro
  943. juba/aljuba/jubón
  944. julepe
  945. jurdía
  946. jurel
  947. kermes

    L, M

  948. laca: resinous substance tapped from the lacquer tree. From Arabic lak, taken from Persian lak, ultimately from Sanskrit laksha literally meaning "one hundred thousand" referring to the large number of insects that gather and sap out all the resin from the trees.
  949. lacre
  950. lapislázuli: lapis lazuli, a deep blue mineral. From Arabic lazaward from Persian lagvard or lazward, ultimately from Sanskrit rajavarta literally meaning "ringlet of the king."
  951. latón: brass. From Arabic latun from Turkish altın "gold."
  952. laúd: lute. From Arabic al 'ud "the lute."
  953. lebeche: Southeasterly wind on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. From Andalusi Arabic Labash.
  954. lebení: a Moorish beverage prepared from soured milk. From Arabic labani "dairy."
  955. leila: from Arabic layla "night."
  956. lelilí: Shouts and noise made by moors when going into combat or when celebrating parties. From Arabic lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāh : There is no god but Allah; Ya leilí : Night of mine; ya ʿayouni : My eyes.
  957. lima: lime. From Arabic limah of the same meaning.
  958. limón: lemon. From laymoon, derived from the Chinese word limung.
  959. loco: crazy. From Arabic lawqa "fool."
  960. macabro
  961. macsura
  962. madraza
  963. magacén
  964. magarza/magarzuela
  965. maglaca
  966. maharon/maharona
  967. maharrana/marrana/marrano
  968. mahozmedín
  969. maimón
  970. majareta
  971. majzén
  972. mamarracho
  973. mameluco
  974. mamola
  975. mandeísmo
  976. mandil
  977. maquila
  978. marabú
  979. maravedí
  980. marcasita
  981. marchamo
  982. márfega
  983. marfil
  984. marfuz/a
  985. margomar
  986. marjal
  987. marlota
  988. marojo
  989. maroma
  990. marrano pig; cf. Arabic muharram "forbidden".
  991. marras
  992. márraga
  993. masamuda: Individual from the Berber Masmuda tribe, from which originate the Almohades, a movement which ruled Spain and North Africa in the 12th century. From Arabic: Masamuda.
  994. matafalúa
  995. matalahúga/matalahúva: Aniseed, from Andalusi Arabic habbat halwa, "sweet seed".
  996. mártaga
  997. máscara
  998. matarife
  999. mate
  1000. matraca
  1001. matula
  1002. mauraca
  1003. mazamorra: Word to designate a number of bread or cereal based dishes typical of Southern Spain and parts of Latin America. From Andalusi Arabic Pishmat.
  1004. mazapán
  1005. mazarí
  1006. mazarrón
  1007. mazmodina
  1008. mazmorra: Dungeon. From Arabic matmura "silo".
  1009. mazorca: corn cob; roll of wool or cotton. From Andalusi Arabic: Masurqa, derived from classical Arabic Masura : a tube used as a bobbin .
  1010. meca: Place which is attractive because of a particular activity. From Arabic Makkah.
  1011. mechinal
  1012. mejala
  1013. mejunje
  1014. mendrugo: Piece of dry or unwanted bread, often reserved to give to beggars. From Andalusi Arabic Matruq "Marked/Touched".
  1015. mengano/mengana: Expression of similar meaning as fulano or zutano, used always after the former but after the latter, meaning "whoever". From Arabic man kan meaning "whoever".
  1016. mequetrefe: Nosy or useless person. From Andalusi Arabi qatras meaning person of boastful demeanor.
  1017. mercal
  1018. metical
  1019. mezquino
  1020. mía: A military term, formerly designating a regular native unit composed of 100 men in the Spanish protectorate of northern Morocco; by analogy, any colonial army. From Arabic Miʿah: one hundred.
  1021. mihrab:
  1022. miramamolín
  1023. moaxaja
  1024. mogataz
  1025. mogate
  1026. moharra: tip of the sword. From muharraf meaning;; "beached".
  1027. moharracho
  1028. mohatra
  1029. mohedal
  1030. mohino
  1031. mojarra: Refers to fish in the Gerreidae order. From Arabic muharraf.
  1032. mojama : Delicacy of phoenician origin from the region of Cadiz. It consists of filleted salt-cured tuna. From the Arabic al mushama: "momified or waxed".
  1033. mojí
  1034. momia
  1035. mona
  1036. monfí
  1037. morabito
  1038. moraga
  1039. morapio
  1040. mozárabe
  1041. mudéjar
  1042. muftí
  1043. mujalata
  1044. mulato: Perhaps from Muwallad, as with the Muladi. Walad means, "descendant, offspring, scion; child; son; boy; young animal, young one". According to DRAE, from latin mulus mulo, in the sense of hybrid.
  1045. mulquía: Owned/Property. From “Mulkiyya”
  1046. muslim / muslime: Muslim. A rare alternative to musulmán. From Arabic Muslim''.

    N, O, P, Q

  1047. nabí: Prophet among arabs. From Arabic nabiy.
  1048. nácar: Innermost of the three layers of a seashell. From Catalan nacre, derived from Arabic naqra, small drum.
  1049. nácara: Type of small metallic drum used historically by the Spanish cavalry. Same etymology as nacar.
  1050. nadir: Nadir, the point on the celestial sphere opposite the zenith directly below the observer. From nadheer.
  1051. nádir: In Morocco, administrator of a religious foundation.
  1052. nagüela: Small hut for human habitation. From Andalusi Arabic nawalla: hut.
  1053. naife: High quality diamond. From Andalusi Arabic nayif. Originally from classical Arabic na'if: excellent.
  1054. naipe: Playing card. From Catalan naíp. Originally from Arabic ma'ib.
  1055. naranja: Orange. from Arabic nāranja, fr Persian nārang, fr Sanskrit nāranga, fr a Dravidian language akin to Tamil naŗu "fragrant".
  1056. narguile
  1057. natrón
  1058. nazarí: Related to the Nasrid kingdom or dynasty of Granada.
  1059. neblí: Subspecies of the peregrine falcon, valued in the art of falconry. Possibly from Andalusi Arabic burni.
  1060. nenúfar: Water-lily. From Arabic naylufar from Persian nilofer, niloofar, niloufar.
  1061. nesga:
  1062. noria: Watermill, Ferris wheel. From Arabic na'urah.
  1063. nuca: Nape of the neck. From Arabic nuḵāʿ منخع, نخاع.
  1064. ojalá: "I hope"; "I wish that...". From law šhaʾ allāh "If God wills."
  1065. ¡ole! : The most famous expression of approval, support or encouragement, possibly comes from wa-llah و الله, by Allah!
  1066. omeya: adj. Related to the Umayyad.
  1067. orozuz
  1068. ox: Expression to scare away wild and domesticated birds. From Andalusi Arabic Oosh.
  1069. papagayo
  1070. quermes
  1071. quilate/quirate: Carat or Karat. From Andalusi Arabic Qirat.
  1072. quilma
  1073. quina: Galbanum (a type of aromatic gum resin. From Classical Arabic al qinnah.
  1074. quintal': weight unit of about 46 kg. In its current use under the metric system, it represents 100 kg. From Arabic Qintar قنطار "referring to a large number similar objects or an object which is large in its size.

    R, S, T

  1075. rabadán
  1076. rabal
  1077. rabazuz
  1078. rabel
  1079. rábida
  1080. rafal
  1081. rafe
  1082. ragua
  1083. rahez
  1084. ramadán
  1085. rambla
  1086. rauda
  1087. rauta
  1088. real: Military encampment; plot where a fair is organized; small plot or garden. From Arabic rahl: camping.
  1089. rebato
  1090. rebite
  1091. recamar
  1092. recua
  1093. redoma
  1094. rehala
  1095. rehalí
  1096. rehén: Hostage or captive. From Arabic رَهِين, captive, ransom.
  1097. rejalgar: realgar. From Andalusi Arabic reheg al-ghar: "powder of the cave"
  1098. requive
  1099. resma
  1100. retama
  1101. rincón: Corner. From Andalusi Arabic rukan, derived from classical Arabic Rukn, or perhaps related to French recoin.
  1102. robda
  1103. robo
  1104. roda
  1105. romí/rumí
  1106. ronzal
  1107. roque
  1108. sajelar
  1109. salema
  1110. sandía: Watermelon. From Arabic Sindiya "from Sindh ".
  1111. sarasa: Homosexual or effeminate man. From "Zaraza".
  1112. sarraceno
  1113. sebestén
  1114. secácul
  1115. serafín
  1116. siroco
  1117. sofí
  1118. sófora
  1119. soldán
  1120. soltaní
  1121. sufí
  1122. sura
  1123. tabal
  1124. tabaque
  1125. tabefe
  1126. tabica
  1127. tabique
  1128. taca
  1129. tafurea
  1130. tagarino/tagarina
  1131. tagarnina
  1132. taha
  1133. tahalí
  1134. tahona
  1135. tahúr
  1136. taifa: Refers to an independent Muslim-ruled principality, an emirate or petty kingdom, of which a number formed in the Al-Andalus a faction 2) a group of people of ill judgement. 3) un reino de Taifas can also refer to a chaotic or disorderly state of affairs. From classical Arabic Ta'ifah: faction.
  1137. tajea
  1138. talco
  1139. talega
  1140. talvina
  1141. támara
  1142. tamarindo
  1143. tambor
  1144. tara
  1145. taracea
  1146. taraje: Salt Cedar. From Arabic Tarfah.
  1147. tarasí
  1148. tarbea
  1149. tarea: Task. From Arabic ṭaríḥaand root طرح, "to throw".
  1150. tareco
  1151. tarida
  1152. tarifa
  1153. tarima
  1154. tarquín
  1155. tarraya
  1156. taza: cup. From Tasa.
  1157. tértil
  1158. tíbar
  1159. tochibí
  1160. tomín
  1161. toronja
  1162. toronjil
  1163. trafalmejas
  1164. truchimán/na
  1165. trujamán/na
  1166. tuera
  1167. tumbaga
  1168. Tunecí
  1169. turbit
  1170. turquí
  1171. tutía

    V, X, Y, Z

  1172. vacarí: from Arabic baqari "bovine."
  1173. valencí: Uva Valencia. A type of grape from Murcia region in South East Spain.
  1174. velmez: from Arabic malbas "clothing."
  1175. verdín: Spontaneous growth of grass or sprouting. From Arabic bardi. Influenced by Spanish word "Verde".
  1176. visir: vizier. From Arabic wazir "minister."
  1177. yébel: from Arabic jabal; "mountain"
  1178. zabalmedina: in the Middle Ages, judge with civil and criminal jurisdiction in a city. From Arabic Sahib al Medina "Chief of the City."
  1179. zabarcera: women who sells fruits and other food. Same origin as abacero
  1180. zabazala: imam who leads Islamic prayer. From Arabic SaHb aS-Salah "Leader of prayer."
  1181. zabazoque: same meaning as almotacén. From Arabic SáHb as súq "Leader of the Market."
  1182. zábila: aloe vera From Andalusi Arabic sabíra, originally from classical Arabic Sibar.
  1183. zabra: type of vessel used in the Bay of Biscay in the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Modern Age. From Arabic zauraq.
  1184. zacatín: in some villages, a square where clothes are sold. From saqqatin, plural of saqqat: seller of clothes.
  1185. zafar: a number of meanings in Spain and Latin American countries: To free, to untie, to ignore, to unknit among others. From Arabic azaHa: to take away.
  1186. zafarí: Granada zafarí: a type of pomegranate. Higo zafarí: a type of fig. From Arabic Safr.
  1187. zafariche: Structure used for placing clay urns. Same etymology as jaraíz.
  1188. zafio: Uncouth. From Andalusi Arabic Fellah safi: "Mere peasant".
  1189. zafrán: See Azafran.
  1190. zaga: Backside of something. Cargo on the back of a truck. From Arabic Saqah: Rear, rearguard.
  1191. zagal: boy. From Andalusian Arabic zaḡál, traditional Arabic zuḡlūl. Same meaning.
  1192. zagaya
  1193. zagua
  1194. zaguán: hall. From Andalusian Arabic istawán, traditional Arabic usṭuwān.
  1195. zagüía
  1196. zaharrón
  1197. zahén
  1198. zahón
  1199. zahora: : Large meal accompanied by dancing or partying. From Arabic Islamic term suhoor.
  1200. zahorí
  1201. zaida
  1202. zaino
  1203. zala
  1204. zalamelé
  1205. zalea/zalear
  1206. zalema/zalama
  1207. zalmedina: Same meaning and origin as zabalmedina.
  1208. zalona
  1209. zamacuco
  1210. zambra: Traditional festivity of the Moriscos in Spain which is maintained by the Gypsy community of Sacromonte, Granada. From Andalusi Arabic Zamra, originally from classical Arabic Zamr.
  1211. zanahoria: carrot, presumably from Andalusi Arabic safunariyya, Classical Arabic: isfanariyya.
  1212. zaque: Leather recipient for wine or extracting water from a well. Drunken person. From Andalusi Arabic zaqq. Originally from classical Arabic ziqq.
  1213. zaquizamí
  1214. zaragüelles
  1215. zaranda/zarandillo/zarandaja
  1216. zarandear: To shake vigorously / push around / toss about. From Zaranda.
  1217. zaratán: Breast cancer. From the Arabic saratan: crab.
  1218. zarazán:
  1219. zarco
  1220. zarracatín
  1221. zarzahán
  1222. zatara
  1223. zéjel
  1224. zoco: market in an Arab country. From Arabic suuq, market. Not to be confused with other meanings of zoco.
  1225. zofra
  1226. zorzal: Thrush, intelligent person. From Andalusi Arabic Zurzal, originally from classical Arabic zurzur.
  1227. zubia: Place where a large amount of water flows. From Arabic Zubya.
  1228. zulaque
  1229. zulla
  1230. zumaque: sumac. From Arabic simaq of the same meaning.
  1231. zumo: fruit juice. From Arabic zum.
  1232. zuna: Sunnah, from Arabic Sunnah
  1233. zurriaga or zurriago: Refers to a type of whip and to a lark. From Andalusi Arabic surriyaqa

    Words with a coincidental similarity to Arabic and false arabisms

  1. The VSO sentence structure: Even though the most unmarked sentence structure in Spanish is SVO, just as in most Romance languages, the VSO sentence structure seems to be more common than in languages such as French or Italian, a phenomenon which has been attributed to semitic influence on the language. Notice that word order in Spanish and the other Romance languages is primarily governed by focalization and topicalization.
  2. The suffix í. Arabic has a very common type of adjective, known as the nisba or relationship adjective, which is formed by adding the suffix -ī or ية -iyya to a noun. This has given Spanish the suffix -í, creating adjectives from nouns which indicate relationship or belonging. Examples are marbellí, ceutí, maghrebí, zaragocí, andalusí or alfonsí.
  3. Expressions. A number of expressions such as "¡Ole!", possibly from wa'llah, or ojalá, from law sha'a Allah, have been borrowed directly from Arabic. Furthermore, many expressions in Spanish might have been calqued from their Arabic equivalent. Examples would be si Dios quiere, que Dios guarde or bendito sea Dios.
  4. Idafa. The Idafa was a feature of the Mozarabic dialects which had a major formative on modern Spanish. Although this morphological structure is no longer in use, it is still widely present in toponyms throughout Spain including names of recent origin such as the suburban colonies of Ciudalcampo and Guadalmar in Madrid and Malaga respectively.

    Toponyms (place names) in Spain of Arabic origin

There are thousands of place names derived from Arabic in the Iberian peninsula including provinces and regions, cities, towns, villages and even neighborhoods and streets. They also include geographical features such as mountains, mountain ranges, valleys and rivers. Toponyms derived from Arabic are common in Spain except for those regions which never came under Muslim rule or where it was particularly short-lived. These regions include Galicia and the Northern coast as well as much of Catalonia, Navarre and northern Aragon. Regions where place names of Arabic origin are particularly common are Balearics, Eastern Coast and Andalusia. In Portugal, the frequency of Arabic toponyms increases as one travels south in the country.
Those toponyms which maintained their pre-Islamic name during the Muslim period were generally Arabized, and the mark of either the old Arabic pronunciation or the popular pronunciation from which it derived is noticeable in their modern names: e.g. Hispalis - Ishbiliya - Sevilla.

Major towns, cities and regions

Given names

and Fátima are common Spanish names rooted in the country's Roman Catholic tradition, but share Arabic etymologies originating in place names of religious significance. Guadalupe, a name present throughout the Spanish-speaking world, particularly in Mexico, also shares this feature.
A few given names of Arab origin have become present in the Spanish-speaking world. In Spain, this coincided with a more flexible attitude to non-Catholic names, which were highly discouraged during the first decades of the Francoist dictatorship. Arabic names that have been present in Spain for many decades include Omar and Soraya. Zaida has also present in Spain, perhaps after Zaida of Seville, the mistress or wife of King Alfonso VI of Castile in the 11th century. A number of streets throughout Spain bear the name of this Muslim princess. Zahira and Zaira are also popular girls' names of Muslim origin. It is in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla in the African continent where Arabic given names are common.

Surnames

Surnames of indirect Arabic origin, such as Medina, Almunia, Guadarrama or Alcaide, are common and often refer to toponyms or professions, but they are not of Arabic origin, properly speaking. Few Arabic surnames explicitly denote Arabic origin since in the 15th and the 16th centuries, religious minorities were required to change their surnames upon baptism to escape persecution. The Muslim minority was specifically compelled to convert and adopt Christian surnames by a series of royal decrees in the 16th century, when Morisco leader Muhammad Ibn Ummaya, for example, was born to the Christian name Fernando de Córdoba y Valor.
Exceptions to the general rule are rare, but one is the surname "Benjumea" or "Benjumeda", which denotes ancestry from the Ummayad nobility. Currently, fewer than 6,000 Spaniards have this surname. Another, even less common, surname denoting Muslim lineage is "Muley", which is still present in the Spanish South East, and was maintained for its noble lineage.

Suggestions for further research

In the English language, search the online catalogs of United States university libraries using the Library of Congress subject heading, "Spanish language foreign elements".
When searching Spanish language Web sites, use the subject term, "arabismos".

Selected reference works and other academic literature

These works have not necessarily been consulted in the preparation of this article.