* Language evolution is complex: Languages constantly borrow words from each other. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment a word was adopted and definitively label it as "Arabic" in origin.
* Variations in definitions: What constitutes an "Arabic word" is subjective. Some words may have Arabic roots but have undergone significant changes in pronunciation, meaning, or spelling over time.
* Lack of a comprehensive list: No single source definitively catalogs all words with Arabic roots in Spanish.
However, we can say that Arabic has had a notable influence on Spanish, particularly:
* During the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492): This period saw a significant influx of Arabic words related to administration, law, agriculture, science, and everyday life.
* Through trade and cultural exchange: Spanish continued to adopt Arabic words after the Reconquista, primarily through trade and interactions with the Arab world.
Examples of Arabic words in Spanish:
* Algodón (cotton): From Arabic "al-qutn"
* Azúcar (sugar): From Arabic "sukkar"
* Alhambra (fortress): From Arabic "al-Hamra" (the red one)
* Jarabe (syrup): From Arabic "sharab" (drink)
While a precise count is unattainable, the influence of Arabic on Spanish vocabulary is undeniable and has contributed significantly to its richness and diversity.