The letter “k” is not native to the Spanish alphabet and appears almost exclusively in loanwords, primarily from other languages like Greek, German, Basque, and Quechua. These borrowed terms often retain their original spelling, contributing to the richness and diversity of the Spanish lexicon. Examples include “kilo,” “kayak,” and “kerosene.” Spanish speakers sometimes adapt pronunciation to more closely align with Spanish phonology.
The presence of these terms reflects the dynamic nature of language and its evolution through cultural exchange. Preserving the original orthography of these loanwords acknowledges the source language and often provides clues to the word’s etymology and meaning. Understanding their origins allows for a deeper appreciation of how language evolves and adapts to incorporate new concepts and ideas. These terms often fill lexical gaps, providing vocabulary for newly introduced objects, concepts, or technologies.
