Estimated Number of Words In Each Language That Come From Arabic

Map created by languages.euThe map above looks at the estimated number of words in each European language that derive from Arabic.

Here they are ranked by the numbers:

• 6,450 words in Turkish derive from Arabic.
• 4,000 words in Spanish derive from Arabic.
• 500 words in English derive from Arabic.
• 500 words in French derive from Arabic.
• 500 words in Portuguese derive from Arabic.
• 400 words in Italian derive from Arabic.
• 150 words in Russian derive from Arabic.
• 100 words in Greek derive from Arabic.

Here are 10 English words that have Arabic origins:

1. Alcohol – From the Arabic “al-kuḥl,” which originally referred to a powdered cosmetic.
2. Alchemy – From the Arabic “al-kīmiyā,” referring to the early form of chemistry.
3. Algorithm – Derived from “al-Khwārizmī,” the name of a Persian mathematician.
4. Cotton – From the Arabic “quṭn,” which refers to the cotton plant.
5. Sugar – From the Arabic “sukkar,” which comes from Persian “shakar.”
6. Coffee – From the Arabic “qahwa,” referring to the drink.
7. Magazine – From the Arabic “makhāzin,” meaning “storehouses.”
8. Sofa – From the Arabic “ṣuffa,” which means a platform or bench.
9. Admiral – From the Arabic “amīr al-baḥr,” meaning “commander of the sea.”
10. Safari – From the Arabic “safar,” meaning “journey” or “travel.”

From the map creator:

The estimated number of words that derive from Arabic in selected languages, as illustrated above, showcases the significant linguistic influence Arabic has had on these languages over centuries of cultural exchange and historical interactions.

*Maltese is not included here as the words in Maltese are inherited (it descends from Siculo-Arabic).

Source: Lexico ton Xenon Lexeon stin Ellinikí Glóssa, Türk Dil Kurumu, Oxford Dictionary, and The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE).

Did any of the languages surprise you? If so which one(s)?