English Borrowed words from Asian Languages

How English Has Borrowed Words from Asian Languages

Introduction:

English has evolved over centuries through trade, colonization, and cultural exchange. It has incorporated many words from Asian languages such as Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, and Malay. These words are commonly used in English, but their origins reveal rich historical connections. Here are  some of these fascinating words.

Words from Chinese

1. Ketchup – Hokkien (“kê-tsiap”). Originally a fermented fish sauce. English later adapted it to mean tomato-based ketchup.
2. Typhoon – Cantonese “tai fung” (大風), meaning “big wind.” It merged with the Greek “typhon” (a storm monster).
3. Tea – Min Nan Chinese (“tê”). Spread through European trade with China.
4. Gung-ho – Chinese “gōnghé” (工合). Meaning “work together.”
5. Chow mein – Cantonese “chāu-mèing” (炒面). Meaning “stir-fried noodles.”
6. Chopsticks – Chinese “kuàizi” (筷子). Meaning “fast ones.”

Words from Hindi & Sanskrit

1. Jungle –  “jangal” (जंगल). Meaning “forest.”
2. Shampoo –  “chāmpo” (चाँपो) meaning “to press or knead.”
3. Bungalow –  “bangla” (बंगला) meaning “Bengali-style house.”
4. Loot –  “lūṭ” (लूट) meaning “to steal.”
5. Pajamas –  “pāy-jāma” (पायजामा) meaning “leg clothing.”
6. Thug – “ṭhag” (ठग) meaning “conman” or “bandit.”

Words from Japanese

1. Tsunami –  (津波), meaning “harbor wave.”
2. Kimono –  (着物), meaning “thing to wear.”
3. Emoji –  (絵文字), meaning “picture character.”
4. Samurai –  (侍), meaning “warrior.”
5. Sushi –  (寿司), meaning “sour-tasting.”
6. Karaoke – (カラオケ), meaning “empty orchestra.”

Words from Malay

1. Batik –  “batik” meaning “to dot.”
2. Amok –  “amuk” meaning “to go on a violent rampage.
3. Durian –  “duri” meaning “thorn.”
4. Sarong – “sarung” meaning “sheath” or “covering.”

Words from Tagalog (Filipino)

1. Boondocks – From Tagalog “bundok,” meaning “mountain.”
2. Yo-yo – Tagalog “yóyo” a traditional Filipino toy.
3. Manila – From “Maynilad” the old name of the Philippine capital.
4. Abaca – Tagalog referring to a type of banana plant used for fiber.

Words from Persian (Influencing Indian Languages)

1. Bazaar –  “bāzār” (بازار), meaning “market.”
2. Caravan –  “karwan” (کاروان), meaning “a group of travelers.”
3. Chess –  “shah” (شاه), meaning “king.” It influenced “checkmate.”
4. Pistachio –  “pistah” (پسته), meaning the nut.
5. Julep –  “gulāb” (گلاب), meaning “rosewater.”

Conclusion

 Language is constantly evolving and shaped by cultural interactions. Centuries of trade colonization and cultural exchange caused English to absorb words from Chinese Hindi Japanese Malay and others. Many Asian words have become integral to English, reflecting centuries of global influence. So next time you use one of these words  you’ll appreciate the intriguing history behind it!