In Spanish, words starting with the letter “K” are relatively rare and often borrowed from other languages. Here is a comprehensive list of such words, along with brief descriptions for each.
- Kábala: A mystical and esoteric system of Jewish origin, focusing on the nature of God and the universe.
- Káiser: A title used for emperors, particularly in reference to the emperors of Germany, derived from the German word for “emperor.”
- Kamikaze: Originally a Japanese term meaning “divine wind,” it refers to a type of suicide attack by military aviators from the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels.
- Kilo: The Spanish term for “kilogram,” a unit of mass in the metric system.
- Kilómetro: Spanish for “kilometer,” a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters.
- Kiosco: A small, often stand-alone structure used for selling goods or providing information, similar to a kiosk.
- Kitsch: A term used to describe art, objects, or design that is considered in poor taste due to its mass production or lack of originality.
- Koala: The name for the Australian marsupial known for its tree-dwelling habits and diet of eucalyptus leaves.
- Kombucha: A type of fermented tea drink believed to have health benefits, originating from East Asia.
- Kumquat: A small, citrus fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor, often eaten raw or used in cooking.
- Ketchup: A popular condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
- Karaoke: A form of entertainment where people sing along to instrumental versions of popular songs, often in social settings or at public events.
- Kinesiología: The study of human movement and physical activity, particularly in the context of rehabilitation and therapy.
- Kipá: A small, rounded cap worn by Jewish men as a sign of respect and reverence.
- Kárate: A martial art originating from Okinawa, characterized by its emphasis on striking techniques.
- Kátia: A name of Greek origin, occasionally used in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Kuba: Refers to the Cuban island nation, though the standard Spanish term is “Cuba.”
- Kermés: A fair or festival, often held to raise funds for charitable causes, featuring various games and activities.
- Kara: A term that might be used as a name or reference in specific contexts, though less common in Spanish.
- Kinesis: Refers to movement or activity in response to a stimulus, a term more often used in scientific contexts.
- Kuchipudi: A classical Indian dance form that might be mentioned in discussions of global dance forms.
- Kuna: The currency used in Croatia, though it might be mentioned in Spanish-speaking contexts when discussing international currencies.
This list includes a range of terms from various fields, illustrating the diverse influences and borrowings into the Spanish language.