Yes I know. Spanish is full of words of Latin, Greek, Arabic origin... But what you didn't know is that there are also a lot of Turkish intruders hanging around!
The Turkish language subtly slips into our daily conversations without us even suspecting it.
How did they arrive? It turns out that many years ago, the Turkish people had a huge empire - the Ottoman Empire - that stretched across Europe, Asia and Africa. And as expected, their language also crossed borders.
Examples of Turkishisms in Spanish:
Café: (coffee) Comes from the Turkish word “kahve,” which in turn is derived from the Arabic “qahwah.” It refers to the drink made with roasted and ground coffee beans.
Yogurt: From Turkish “yoğurt,” meaning “sour milk.” It is a fermented dairy product of great nutritional value.
Kiosk : Comes from the Turkish “köşk”, which refers to a pavilion or gazebo. In Spanish, it designates a small stall selling press, magazines and other products.
Carmesí: (Crimson) From Turkish "kırmızı", meaning "red". It refers to an intense red color.Del turco "kırmızı", que significa "rojo". Se refiere a un color rojo intenso.
Jinete: (Rider) Comes from the Turkish “cennet,” which means “paradise.” In Spanish, it designates the person who rides a horse.
Turrón: (Nougat) It comes from the Turkish “turunç”, which means “orange”. It refers to a sweet made with almonds, honey and sugar.
Alfombra: (Carpet) It comes from the Turkish "alhombras", which in turn is derived from the Arabic "al-qatifah". It refers to a thick fabric used to cover the ground.
Balcón: (Balcon) It comes from the Turkish "balkona", which in turn is derived from the Persian "balqaneh". It refers to an exterior platform on the façade of a building.
Jarabe: (Syrup) It comes from the Turkish “şerbet”, which means “sweet drink”. It refers to a concentrated solution of sugar in water or fruit juice.
And there is more? Of course! These are just a few of the many Turkish words that have infiltrated our language.
Conclusion:
Turkicisms are a reminder of the richness and diversity of Spanish, a language that has been shaped by different cultures throughout its history. By understanding the origin of these words, we can better appreciate the deep connection that exists between the world's languages and cultures.
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