Foreign words used in English without translation:
déjà vu (French):
a feeling in the present that you've experienced something before
a fait accompli (French):
a thing has already been decided and there's no point arguing about it because it can't or won't be changed
a faux pas (French):
an embarrassing mistake (often in a social situation)
glasnost (Russian):
openness, especially in government
the hoi polloi (Greek):
the ordinary, common people or the majority
sushi (Japanese):
dish made of raw fish, vegetables or other ingredients and rice, wrapped in seaweed
vice versa (Latin):
the opposite of what has been said. Should I make dinner or vice versa?
a wok (Cantonese):
a large, deep frying pan (often used in Asian cooking)
English words with foreign roots:
a bungalow - (Hindi): a house that is often all on one level
a coffee (Turkish): a hot drink
a guru (Sanskrit): spiritual teacher or very knowledgeable coach or trainer
an opal (Sanskrit): a precious stone (usually clear or white)
an orang-utan (Malaysian): a large ape with long, red hair
paparazzi (Italian): photographers who follow famous people and take pictures of them (often without the famous person's permission)
pyjamas (Persian): clothes we use when we're sleeping, made up of trousers and a loose jacket or top
a safari (Swahili): a hunting or fishing trip (often in Africa) or to see animals in a wild environment
shampoo (Hindi): liquid soap used to wash your hair
yoghurt (Turkish): semi-solid food made from fermented milk (sometimes with fruit added)
Vocabulary:
the counter (n):
the table or shelf in a shop that separates the shop assistant from the customers
your ambition knows no bounds:
there is no limit to your goals or dreams