Foreign words commonly used in the English language
- Bon appétit (French) – “Enjoy your meal.”
- Fiasco (Italian) – A complete failure or disaster.
- Zeitgeist (German) – The spirit of the times; the general trend or mood of a particular period.
- Déjà vu (French) – The feeling of having already experienced the present situation.
- RSVP (French) – An abbreviation for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “Please respond” or “Kindly reply.”
- C’est la vie (French) – “That’s life” or “Such is life,” expressing acceptance of a situation or resignation to fate.
- Hasta la vista (Spanish) – “Until we meet again” or “Goodbye.”
- Ad nauseam (Latin) – To the point of sickness or disgust, often used to describe something that is repeated excessively.
- Voilà (French) – “There it is” or “There you have it,” often used to present or introduce something.
- Bon voyage (French) – “Have a good trip” or “Safe travels.”
- Bazaar (Persian) – A marketplace or a fair where goods are sold.
- Fiesta (Spanish) – A festive celebration or party.
- Kindergarten (German) – A preschool or a school for young children before they start formal education.
- Cliché (French) – An overused phrase, expression, or idea.
- Karaoke (Japanese) – A form of entertainment in which people sing along to recorded music.
- Laissez-faire (French) – A policy or attitude of non-interference or non-intervention.
- Espresso (Italian) – A strong coffee brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee beans.
- Fiancé/Fiancée (French) – A person engaged to be married (fiancé for males, fiancée for females).
- Schadenfreude (German) – Pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune.
- Ménage à trois (French) – A domestic arrangement or relationship involving three people, typically a sexual or romantic relationship.
- Prima donna (Italian) – A temperamental or demanding person, especially in a professional setting.
- Taboo (Polynesian) – Something that is prohibited or forbidden due to social or cultural reasons.
- Guru (Sanskrit) – A spiritual teacher, guide, or expert in a particular field.
- Zen (Japanese) – A school of Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and intuition.
- Bungalow (Hindi) – A low, single-story house or cottage, typically with a veranda.
- Carte blanche (French) – Complete freedom or authority to act as one wishes.
- Drama (Greek) – A genre of literature or performance that involves conflict, emotions, and tension.
- Chutzpah (Yiddish) – Confidence, audacity, or nerve, often used to describe someone who is bold or daring.
- Ciao (Italian) – An informal greeting or goodbye, similar to “hello” or “goodbye.”
- Sauna (Finnish) – A small room or space designed for dry or wet heat sessions to promote relaxation and wellness.
- Fiesta (Spanish) – A festive celebration or party.
- Versus (Latin) – Used to indicate a competition or contest between two parties.
- Baguette (French) – A long, narrow loaf of bread, often associated with French cuisine.
- Paparazzi (Italian) – Photographers who follow celebrities to capture candid or intrusive photographs.
- Décor (French) – The style, arrangement, and overall appearance of a space or room.
- Tycoon (Japanese) – A wealthy and powerful person, often in the business or industrial sector.
- Sushi (Japanese) – A Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice combined with various toppings, typically including raw or cooked fish.
- Adios (Spanish) – “Goodbye” or “Farewell.”
- Genre (French) – A category or type, particularly in art, literature, or music.
- Fiesta (Spanish) – A festive celebration or party.
- Karma (Sanskrit) – The sum of a person’s actions in one’s current and previous lives, believed to influence future experiences.
- Hors d’oeuvre (French) – A small appetizer or snack served before a meal.
- Siesta (Spanish) – A short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, particularly in hot climates.
- Safari (Swahili) – An expedition, often to observe or hunt wildlife, typically in Africa.
- Faux pas (French) – A social mistake or blunder, often violating accepted customs or norms.
- Croissant (French) – A buttery, crescent-shaped pastry typically associated with French cuisine.
- Bazaar (Arabic) – A market or a street of shops selling various goods.
- Kudos (Greek) – Praise, recognition, or acclaim for an achievement or accomplishment.
- Karate (Japanese) – A martial art form characterized by striking and kicking techniques.
- Macho (Spanish) – Describing a man who is aggressively masculine or displays exaggerated male traits.
- In vino veritas (Latin) – “In wine, there is truth,” often used to imply that people are more honest or truthful when they are intoxicated.
- Gestalt (German) – An organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.
- Coup d’état (French) – A sudden and often violent overthrow of a government or a seizure of power by a small group.
- Hoi polloi (Greek) – The common people or the masses.
- Bonsai (Japanese) – The art of growing miniature trees in containers.
- Al fresco (Italian) – Outdoors, often used to describe dining or eating outside.
- Bonjour (French) – “Hello” or “Good day.”
- Cliché (French) – An overused phrase, expression, or idea.
- Fjord (Norwegian) – A long, narrow inlet with steep sides, typically formed by glacial activity.
- Décor (French) – The style, arrangement, and overall appearance of a space or room.
- Zeitgeist (German) – The spirit of the times; the general trend or mood of a particular period.
- Komorebi (Japanese) – The interplay of sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees.
- Doppelgänger (German) – A look-alike or double of a person, often used to describe someone who closely resembles another.
- Wanderlust (German) – A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
- Hasta mañana (Spanish) – “See you tomorrow.”
- Blitz (German) – A sudden, intensive attack or campaign.
- Bagel (Yiddish) – A ring-shaped bread roll, typically boiled and then baked.
- Bonanza (Spanish) – A situation or event that brings great wealth, success, or fortune.
- Fandango (Spanish) – A lively Spanish or Latin American dance, often accompanied by music.
- Manga (Japanese) – A style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels.
- Magnum opus (Latin) – The greatest work or achievement of an artist, writer, or composer.
- Ad infinitum (Latin) – To infinity; without limit or end.
- Joie de vivre (French) – “Joy of living” or “Zest for life.”
- Shampoo (Hindi) – A liquid or cream used for cleaning the hair and scalp.
- Futon (Japanese) – A traditional Japanese mattress or a sofa that can be converted into a bed.
- Salsa (Spanish) – A lively, rhythmic Latin American dance or a spicy sauce typically made from tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
- Gesundheit (German) – A polite response when someone sneezes, equivalent to “Bless you.”
- Kremlin (Russian) – The fortified complex in Moscow housing the Russian government and associated historical buildings.
- Château (French) – A castle or a large country house, particularly in France.
- Gourmet (French) – Relating to high-quality, fine food and drink.
- Manga (Japanese) – A style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels.
- Macho (Spanish) – Describing a man who is aggressively masculine or displays exaggerated male traits.
- Fiasco (Italian) – A complete failure or disaster.
- Habeas corpus (Latin) – A legal principle that protects against unlawful detention, ensuring a person’s right to appear in court.
- Mardi Gras (French) – “Fat Tuesday,” referring to the carnival celebrations before the Christian fasting period of Lent.
- Namaste (Hindi) – A respectful greeting or farewell, often accompanied by a gesture of placing the palms together in front of the chest.
- Ombudsman (Swedish) – An official appointed to investigate and resolve complaints or disputes, often in a public or governmental organization.
- Siesta (Spanish) – A short nap or rest taken in the early afternoon, particularly in hot climates.
- Soiree (French) – An evening party or social gathering, often characterized by elegance or sophistication.
- Yen (Japanese) – The currency of Japan.
- Zenith (Arabic) – The highest point or culmination of something.
- En route (French) – On the way or in transit.
- Faux pas (French) – A social mistake or blunder, often violating accepted customs or norms.
- Hoi polloi (Greek) – The common people or the masses.
- Laissez-faire (French) – A policy or attitude of non-interference or non-intervention.
- Magnum opus (Latin) – The greatest work or achievement of an artist, writer, or composer.
- RSVP (French) – An abbreviation for “Répondez s’il vous plaît,” which means “Please respond” or “Kindly reply.”
- Vis-à-vis (French) – In relation to or face-to-face with.
- Wanderlust (German) – A strong desire to travel and explore the world.
- Zeitgeist (German) – The spirit of the times; the general trend or mood of a particular period.
Note: This list includes words from various languages that have been assimilated into the English language and are commonly used in everyday conversations.