Here is a list of Spanish words and phrases that we use in English. They usually retain their original meaning, but often the pronunciation is quite different! I’ve included an example sentence in Spanish for each, so you can see how the word could be used in Spanish.
1. Burrito – A tortilla wrapped around meat, beans, and other fillings
Example: Pedí un burrito de pollo para cenar. – I ordered a chicken burrito for dinner.
2. Cafeteria – Self-service restaurant or café
Example: La cafetería abre a las siete. – The cafeteria opens at seven.
Note: In Spanish, the word cafetería has an accent on the i, which indicates that the stress is on that syllable, making the pronunciation quite different to English.
3. Chili – Spicy stew made with meat and peppers
Example: El chili con carne es muy popular en Texas. – Chili con carne is very popular in Texas.
4. Fajita – Grilled meat served with tortillas and toppings
Example: Pedí fajitas de pollo con verduras. – I ordered chicken fajitas with vegetables.
Note: The word fajita is a diminutive of faja, meaning “strip”. It originally referred to the strips of meat used in the dish.
5. Fiesta – Party/Celebration
Example: Vamos a una gran fiesta este fin de semana. – We’re going to a big fiesta this weekend.
6. Guacamole – Avocado-based dip
Example: El guacamole se prepara con aguacate y limón. – Guacamole is made with avocado and lime.
7. Guerrilla – Small independent fighting group or irregular warfare
Example: El ejército combatió a la guerrilla en las montañas. – The army fought the guerrillas in the mountains.
8. Hacienda – Estate/Ranch
Example: La hacienda tenía muchos caballos. – The hacienda had many horses.
9. Mosquito – Small flying insect that bites
Example: Hay muchos mosquitos en verano. – There are many mosquitoes in summer.
Note: In Spanish, the word mosquito originated as a diminuitive of mosco (“fly/gnat”).
10. Nachos – Tortilla chips with cheese or toppings
Example: Compartimos unos nachos con guacamole. – We shared some nachos with guacamole.
11. Patio – Courtyard or outdoor area
Example: Tomamos café en el patio. – We had coffee in the patio.
12. Plaza – Town square or open public space
Example: Nos encontramos en la plaza del pueblo. – We met in the town plaza.
13. Poncho – A traditional cloak or blanket with a hole for the head
Example: Me puse un poncho porque hacía frío. – I put on a poncho because it was cold.
14. Rodeo – Cowboy competition with horses and bulls
Example: Fuimos a ver un rodeo en Texas. – We went to see a rodeo in Texas.
15. Sierra – Mountain range
Example: La Sierra Nevada tiene paisajes hermosos. – The Sierra Nevada has beautiful landscapes.
16. Siesta – Afternoon nap/rest
Example: Después de comer, tomo una siesta. – After lunch, I take a siesta.
17. Sombrero – Hat (especially a wide-brimmed one)
Example: El sombrero protege del sol. – The sombrero protects from the sun.
18. Taco – Mexican food made with a tortilla and fillings
Example: Los tacos al pastor son deliciosos. – The tacos al pastor are delicious.
19. Tortilla – Thin, circular flatbread
Example: Preparé una tortilla de maíz para la cena. – I made a corn tortilla for dinner.
Note: In Spain, tortilla usually refers to a Spanish omelette.
