The Surprising Influence of Chinese on English: How Many Words Have We Borrowed?
and languages from around the world. One such language that has had a significant impact on English is Chinese. Despite being very different in structure and grammar, Chinese has had a surprising influence on the English language, with a number of words borrowed from Chinese over the centuries.
One of the most well-known Chinese words in English is “ketchup.” It might surprise you to know that the word “ketchup” actually originated from the Hokkien Chinese word “kê-tsiap.” In Hokkien, this word refers to a type of fermented fish sauce that was popular in China, and was eventually brought to England by British traders in the late 17th century. Over time, the sauce recipe was adapted to include ingredients such as tomatoes, and the name “ketchup” stuck.
Another word borrowed from Chinese is “typhoon,” which comes from the Cantonese word “tai fung.” In Cantonese, this word refers to a violent storm or hurricane, and was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe the powerful tropical storms that occur in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Yet another example is the word “feng shui,” which has become a part of popular culture and is used to describe the practice of arranging one’s surroundings in a way that promotes positive energy and harmony. The term “feng shui” comes from the Mandarin words “feng,” meaning wind, and “shui,” meaning water. This concept has been popularized in the West in recent years, with many people adopting feng shui principles in their homes and workplaces.
These are just a few examples of Chinese words that have been borrowed by English, but the list goes on. Other words that have been borrowed from Chinese include “kung fu,” “dim sum,” “silk,” “porcelain,” and “panda,” to name just a few.
While the exact number of Chinese words borrowed by English is difficult to determine, it is clear that Chinese has had a significant impact on the English language. From food to philosophy, Chinese has contributed a wealth of vocabulary to English, enriching the language and reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped it over time.
The influence of Chinese on English is a testament to the power of language and the ability of cultures to learn from and borrow from one another. While English and Chinese may be vastly different in many ways, the fact that they have influenced each other is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the value of embracing diversity and learning from different cultures.
