Introduction:
The other day Twitter reminded us that it was the anniversary of the registration of our school in that social network. When we decided to open this school, one issue that took us a while was the name. We all know that parents think a lot about what to name their children and for us this project looks a lot like a baby. The champion was Jaleo, but “algarabía” and “ojalá” also reached the final. These three words have in common their sonority and their Arabic origin. In Spanish we have a large number of terms with these roots and that are difficult to recognize by our students who do not have Arabic as their mother tongue. Today we bring you our five favorite words in Spanish that come from this language.
Jaleo: Cheers and Celebration
Our favorite, “jaleo,” derives from “jalear,” reflecting the Arabic “hala” linked to “Allah.” This word embodies the lively commotion and cheer synonymous with festivity in Spanish culture.
Algarabía: A Festive Uproar
Almost our school’s namesake, “algarabía” originally referred to the Arabic language (“arábe”) in old Spanish, evolving to denote a joyful uproar akin to “jaleo.”
Ojalá: Hope and Subjunctive Wishes
From Arabic “si Dios quiere,” or “if God wills,” “ojalá” expresses hopeful wishes and is intricately tied to the nuances of the subjunctive mood in Spanish.
Aceite: Mediterranean Essence
Unlike its Latin counterparts, “aceite” draws from Arabic origins (“al-zayt”), underscoring its Mediterranean heritage and culinary significance.
Almohada: Comfort and Rest
The Arabic “almuhádda” gives us “almohada,” symbolizing comfort and rest, essential for the members of our school community.
Join Us to Explore and Learn
If you’re intrigued by these Spanish words of Arabic origin and wish to improve your pronunciation or delve deeper into Spanish language and culture, join our Spanish classes today!
