Spanish Words That Come From Arabic (Top 15)

Did you know that the Muslims conquered Spain in 711 AD? This is the reason why some Spanish words are influenced by the Arabic language. So, if you want to know these words, read the top 15 Spanish words that come from Arabic below. We also provided the Arabic origin and the meaning of each word.

Spanish Words That Come From Arabic (in Alphabetical Order)

Aceite

Meaning:

• (Noun) Aceite is a Spanish word that means oil.
• Arabic origin: al-zayt
• Example: ¿Qué tipo de aceite necesitas para esta receta?
• English: What kind of oil do you need for this recipe?

Albaricoque 

Meaning:

• (Noun) Albaricoque  is a Spanish term for an apricot.
• Arabic origin: al-burqūq
• Example: ¿Dónde está la vela perfumada de albaricoque que dejé sobre la mesa?
• English: Where is the apricot scented candle I left on the table?

Alcancía

Meaning:

• (Noun) The word alcancía is the Spanish translation for a piggy bank. An alcancía is where a person puts loose change and saves them for later.
• Arabic origin: kanz
• Example: ¡Mira! Te compré una alcancía nueva porque escuché que eres bueno ahorrando dinero.
• English: Look! I got you a new piggy bank because I heard you’re good at saving money.

Algodón

Meaning:

• (Noun) The word “algodón” is Spanish for cotton. 
• Arabic origin: al-qutn
• Example: Nos quedamos sin almohadillas de algodón el otro día. ¿Puedes comprar algo de camino a casa?
• English: We ran out of cotton pads the other day. Can you buy some on your way home?

Almohada

Meaning:

• (Noun) A pillow is called an almohada in Spanish.
• Arabic origin: al muẖádda
• Example: Esta almohada es incómoda. ¿Podemos intercambiar?
• English: This pillow is uncomfortable. Can we exchange?

Atún

Meaning:

• (Noun) The Spanish word for tuna is atún.
• Arabic origin: al-tūn
• Example: Se me antoja un bocadillo de atún con mucha cebolla.
• English: I’m craving a tuna sandwich with lots of onions.

Azúcar 

Meaning:

• (Noun) Azúcar is the Spanish translation for sugar.
• Arabic origin: al-sukkar
• Example: Necesitamos dos tazas de azúcar y una taza de leche. ¿Me los puedes preparar?
• English: We need two cups of sugar and one cup of milk. Can you prepare them for me?

Barrio

Meaning:

• (Noun) Barrio is another Spanish word for a neighborhood.
• Arabic origin: barrī 
• Example: Este barrio es tan tranquilo. Ojalá podamos comprar una casa aquí algún día.
• English: This neighborhood is so peaceful. I wish we can buy a house here someday.

Dado

Meaning:

• (Noun) The word “dado” is the Spanish translation for dice.
• Arabic origin: a‘dād
• Example: No podemos jugar si no tenemos dados.
• English: We can’t play if we don’t have dice.

Guitarra

Meaning:

• (Noun) A guitar is called a guitarra in Spanish.
• Arabic origin: qīṯārah
• Example: Mi hermano puede tocar la guitarra a la edad de cinco años.
• English: My brother can play the guitar at the age of five.

Limón

Meaning:

• (Noun) The Spanish word “limón” can be translated to “lemon” in English.
• Arabic origin: laymūn
• Example: Necesitamos plantar las semillas de limón ahora o no se convertirá en una plántula.
• English: We need to plant the lemon seeds now or it won’t turn into a seedling.

Mezquino

Meaning:

• (Adjective) Mezquino is one of the Spanish words for “mean.”
• Arabic origin: miskīn
• Example: Ella es la mezquino de todos los hermanos.
• English: She’s the mean one out of all the siblings.

Naranja

Meaning:

• (Noun) The Spanish word “naranja” means orange in English. It can either be the fruit or the color.
• Arabic origin: nāranǧ
• Example: Estaba guardando esa fruta naranja para el chico de la calle.
• English: I was saving that orange fruit for the kid from down the street.

Ojalá

Meaning:

• (Interjection) Ojalá is a Spanish word that means “I wish.” It is also used as an interjection.
• Arabic origin: law šá lláh
• Example: No soporto ver a mis hermanos discutir. Ojalá que todos se lleven bien.
• English: I can’t stand seeing my siblings argue. I wish that everyone will get along.

Sandía

Meaning:

• (Noun) Sandía is the Spanish word for watermelon.
• Arabic origin: sindiyyah
• Example: La sandía sería buena en este tipo de clima.
• English: Watermelon would be good in this kind of weather.