While the Spanish alphabet includes the letter “w,” it is almost exclusively found in loanwords, primarily from English and other Germanic languages, and occasionally from Arabic. Examples include “whisky” (whiskey), “waterpolo” (water polo), and “web.” These terms retain their original spelling and pronunciation, or a close approximation, when adopted into Spanish.
The scarcity of native vocabulary commencing with this letter underscores the evolution and adaptation of the Spanish language. Borrowing words beginning with “w” reflects the increasing interconnectedness of global cultures and the influence of other languages, particularly English, in the modern era. Understanding this limited yet present aspect of Spanish orthography offers valuable insight into the language’s dynamic nature.