Yes, English has an exceptionally high number of borrowed words, with estimates suggesting that roughly 80% of its vocabulary is derived from other languages, particularly French, Latin, and Old Norse. While all languages borrow words, English is unique in the sheer volume and diversity of its adoptions, resulting in a vast vocabulary estimated at over 600,000 words.
Key Details on English Borrowing:
Source Proportions: Estimates suggest roughly 29% from Latin, 29% from French/Anglo-Norman, and 26% from Germanic roots, according to Wikipedia.
Historical Impact: Following the Norman Conquest, French and Latin dominated, deeply affecting everyday vocabulary, BBC News reported.
Comparison to Other Languages: While languages like Japanese freely adopt foreign terms, English is considered to have a much higher proportion of non-native, borrowed vocabulary compared to many other languages, notes Reddit users.


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Swahili words English can't translate! - Mugwump February 10, 2026, 3:23 pm
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