The Spanish language has been influenced by many other languages and cultures throughout its history. One notable influence is the Nahuatl language, which was the language of the ancient Aztec civilization and it is still spoken today by the indigenous people of Central Mexico. Therefore there are many Spanish words of Nahuatl origin.

The Spanish colonization of the Americas resulted in a rich exchange of words, with many Nahuatl terms seamlessly integrated into the Spanish vocabulary. In this article, we will explore a list of some Spanish words of Nahuatl origin, ranging from everyday terms to geographical names, food and drinks, and even animals or plants.

Spanish Words of Nahuatl Origin

Let’s explore and discover some interesting Spanish words of Nahuatl origin to learn more about the shared history and culture of these two languages.

Aguacate

Aguacate (avocado) comes from the Nahuatl word ahuacatl. It is a fruit native to Central and South America, known for its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor.

Isabel trajo esta caja de aguacates.

Isabel brought this box of avocados.

A algunos invitados no les gusta el aguacate.

Some guests don’t like avocado.

Azteca

Azteca (Aztec) comes from the Nahuatl word aztecatl. The Aztecs were an indigenous civilization in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century.

¿Qué tienen en común los mayas y los aztecas y los incas?

What do the Mayas, Aztecs and Incas have in common?

Los aztecas eran conocidos por su habilidad en la construcción.

The Aztecs were known for their skill in construction.

Cacahuete

Cacahuete (peanut) comes from the Nahuatl word cacahuatl. A peanut is a small legume that grows underground and is enclosed in a thin, brownish-red shell.

Tiene ganas de comer frutos secos. Le gustan mucho los cacahuetes.

She feels like eating nuts. She really likes peanuts.

Los niños comieron cacahuetes hasta tener dolor de estómago.

The children ate peanuts until they had stomach aches.

Cacao

Cacao (cacao, cocoa) comes from the Nahuatl word cacahua. Cacao is a tree known for its seeds that are used to produce chocolate.

Mi hermano y yo tomábamos leche con cacao y galletas.

My brother and I used to have milk with cocoa and cookies.

Quiero una taza de leche con cacao y un pastel.

I want a cup of milk with cocoa and a cake.

Chicle

Chicle (chewing gum) comes from the Nahuatl word tzictli. Chewing gum is a type of soft candy that is meant to be chewed but not swallowed.

Me duelen los dientes. No puedo masticar ningún chicle.

My teeth hurt. I can’t chew any chewing gum.

En clase de inglés, la profesora no permite comer chicle.

In English class, the teacher doesn’t allow students to chew gum.

Chocolate

Chocolate (chocolate) comes from the Nahuatl word xocoatl, which is a combination of xoco- (bitter) and -atl (water). Chocolate is a sweet that is made from the roasted and ground seeds of the cacao tree.

Los niños quieren un helado de chocolate.

The children want a chocolate ice cream.

Nosotros estamos cocinando galletas de chocolate.

We are baking chocolate cookies.

Coyote

Coyote (coyote) comes from the Nahuatl word coyotl. The coyote is a species of wild canine found primarily in North and Central America.

Su abuelo solía contar historias sobre coyotes.

His grandfather used to tell stories about coyotes.

El coyote a veces nada en el río.

The coyote sometimes swims in the river.

Cuate

Cuate (mate, guy) comes from the Nahuatl word coatl, which meant twin. Cuate is a slang word often used as a friendly and informal way to address or refer to a friend or acquaintance.

Mi cuate tiene miedo de los perros grandes.

My friend is afraid of big dogs.

Ey, cuate, ¿cuándo vas a venir al cine con nosotros?

Hey, mate, when are you going to come to the movies with us?

Guacamole

Guacamole (guacamole) comes from the Nahuatl word ahuacamulli. Guacamole is a traditional Mexican dip or spread made primarily from mashed avocados.

Pedimos unas tortillas mexicanas con guacamole.

We ordered some Mexican tortillas with guacamole.

Debes probar el guacamole. Está delicioso.

You should taste guacamole. It is delicious.

Mole

Mole (mole) comes from the Nahuatl word mulli, which meant sauce. It is a traditional Mexican sauce that is made from a combination of various ingredients, including chili peppers, spices, nuts, seeds, and chocolate.

Compra fideos en el supermercado y también mole para la carne.

Buy noodles in the supermarket and also mole for the meat.

Mario está preparando mole para el pollo.

Mario is making mole sauce for the chicken.

Tequila

Tequila (tequila) probably comes from the Nahuatl words tequitl (work, duty) and tlan (place). Tequila is a Mexican town located in the state of Jalisco. It is where the tequila drink was first produced in the 16th century.

Los vasos de tequila están atrás, en el armario.

The tequila glasses are in the back, in the cupboard.

No bebo tequila. No me gustan las bebidas con alcohol.

I don’t drink tequila. I don’t like alcoholic drinks.

Tomate

We are going to finish the list of Spanish words of Nahuatl origin with tomate (tomato), which comes from the Nahuatl word tomatl. Tomatoes are fruits, but they are widely consumed as vegetables.

Se cortan los tomates y se ponen en la ensalada.

Cut the tomatoes and put them in the salad.

Tienes que traer las patatas y los tomates.

You have to bring the potatoes and tomatoes.

Exercises

Now let’s do some exercises to practice some of these Spanish words of Nahuatl origin.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Categorized in:

VocabularySpanish Around the World