The Spanish alphabet includes the letter “k,” though it appears less frequently than in other languages like English or German. Its usage is primarily confined to loanwords, proper nouns (especially of foreign origin), and scientific or technical terminology. Examples include “kilmetro” (kilometer), “kerosene” (kerosene), and “koala” (koala).
While not as prevalent, understanding these terms is crucial for comprehending specialized vocabulary and interacting with global concepts. Historically, the limited use reflects the evolution of the Spanish language and its tendency to adapt foreign words using existing phonetic conventions. This often involves substituting “c” before “a,” “o,” and “u,” or “qu” before “e” and “i” for similar sounds. The presence of “k” often signals a word’s relatively recent adoption into Spanish.