Foreign Words in English
1 / 20How well do you know the foreign words and phrases we use every day in English?
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What language does the word 'kindergarten' come from?
About Foreign Words in English
How well do you know the foreign words and phrases we use every day in English? Foreign Words in English packs 20 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 8 medium, 7 easy, 5 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 9 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. What language does the word 'kindergarten' come from?
Answer: German
Kindergarten is German for 'children's garden.' It was coined by Friedrich Froebel in 1840 for his early education program.
2. The word 'tsunami' comes from which language?
Answer: Japanese
Tsunami is Japanese, combining 'tsu' (harbor) and 'nami' (wave), literally meaning 'harbor wave.'
3. What does the French phrase 'déjà vu' literally mean?
Answer: Already seen
'Déjà vu' literally translates to 'already seen' in French, describing the feeling of having experienced something before.
4. From which language did English borrow the word 'safari'?
Answer: Swahili
Safari comes from Swahili, meaning 'journey' or 'expedition,' originally derived from the Arabic word 'safar' (travel).
5. The musical term 'piano' comes from Italian. What does it literally mean?
Answer: Soft
The full Italian name is 'pianoforte,' meaning 'soft-loud,' because it could play notes at different volumes unlike the harpsichord.
Things you'll learn along the way
- Ketchup likely comes from the Hokkien Chinese word 'kê-tsiap,' a fermented fish sauce. The tomato version is an American adaptation.
- 'Carpe diem' means 'seize the day' and comes from a poem by Horace (65-8 BC), urging people to make the most of the present.
- Shampoo comes from the Hindi word 'champo,' meaning 'to press or massage,' brought to English during the British colonial era in India.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print Foreign Words in English?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 9 minutes, Foreign Words in English fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Foreign Words in English?
Foreign Words in English has 20 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Foreign Words in English free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Foreign Words in English — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
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