Word Origins
English is a rich tapestry woven from many languages. Explore loanwords borrowed from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and French — each with its original script, pronunciation, and the fascinating story of how it entered English.
Chinese Origin
43 loanwords in English
Japanese Origin
48 loanwords in English
Korean Origin
27 loanwords in English
French Origin
59 loanwords in English
About English Loanwords
English has borrowed words from over 350 languages throughout its history. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, French became the language of the English court for 300 years, contributing an estimated 30% of modern English vocabulary.
Trade along the Silk Road and maritime routes brought Chinese words (like tea and silk) into English. Japanese words entered through cultural exchange in the arts, cuisine, and martial traditions. Korean loanwords are among the newest additions, driven by the global popularity of K-pop, K-drama, and Korean cuisine.
Each loanword tells a story of cultural contact, trade, conquest, and curiosity. Explore the categories below to discover these fascinating linguistic journeys.