Here's a spelling secret: many English words from the New World came from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. When you understand that Nahuatl words often end in -o (tomato, avocado, coyote) and include words like "chocolate," "chili," and "ocelot," suddenly spelling becomes more predictable. This deep understanding makes spelling easier. Our adaptive practice builds this knowledge naturally. Try it free.
Why Nahuatl Patterns Matter
Understanding Nahuatl spelling patterns reveals the influence of Aztec culture on English vocabulary.
New World food & nature vocabulary
Nahuatl forms a significant part of English, especially in words from the New World: food (chocolate, tomato, avocado, chili, guacamole, chipotle), animals (coyote, ocelot), and plants (mesquite, peyote). Words in these fields all trace back to Nahuatl.
Predictable spelling patterns
Nahuatl words use -o endings (tomato, avocado, coyote), words with -tl endings (chocolate, ocelot), and distinctive word structures. Know the origin, predict the spelling.
Spelling bee advantage
Nahuatl words appear in spelling bee competitions, especially in food and geography rounds. Asking about word origins is a winning strategy. Champions use etymology to spell unfamiliar words correctly on the first try.
Cultural connection
Learning Nahuatl words connects you to the history of Aztec civilization and the New World. Words like "chocolate" (chocolatl), "tomato" (tomatl), and "avocado" (ahuacatl) reveal how Aztec culture shaped English. This knowledge builds appreciation for cultural vocabulary.
Essential Nahuatl-Derived Words
Nahuatl words are especially common in food and nature vocabulary. Note the distinctive -o endings and -tl patterns.
Nahuatl Spelling Patterns to Remember
-o Endings & -tl Patterns
- -o → tomato, avocado, coyote
- -tl → chocolate, ocelot
- Other → chili, mesquite, guacamole
Food & Nature Terms
- Food → chocolate, tomato, avocado, chili
- Animals → coyote, ocelot
- Plants → mesquite, peyote, chipotle
Spot these patterns with our free adaptive spelling tool.
How Lit Spelling Works
Learn Nahuatl spelling patterns
Nahuatl words in English have distinctive patterns: words ending in -o (tomato, avocado, coyote), words with -tl endings (chocolate, ocelot), and words related to food, nature, and Aztec culture. Our adaptive system introduces these patterns through words you'll actually use.
Practice with real words
Hear each word pronounced clearly, then type it. The multisensory approach (hearing + seeing + typing) builds stronger memory than flashcards alone. You'll naturally notice Nahuatl patterns like -o endings and distinctive word structures.
Master through spaced repetition
Our algorithm brings challenging words back at optimal intervals. Words with tricky Nahuatl patterns (chocolate, guacamole, chipotle) appear more often until you've mastered them. Your practice is always targeted where you need it most.
Who Benefits from Nahuatl Pattern Learning
Spelling bee competitors
Nahuatl words appear in spelling bee competitions, especially in food and geography rounds. When you can ask "Is this word Nahuatl?" and apply the right spelling rules, you gain a significant advantage. Our spelling bee practice builds this skill.
Food & geography students
Nahuatl vocabulary appears in food and geography terminology. Words like "chocolate," "tomato," "avocado," "coyote," and "ocelot" all come from Nahuatl. Understanding these origins helps you spell academic vocabulary correctly and appreciate Aztec cultural influence.
Cultural enthusiasts
Adults interested in Aztec history and New World culture find Nahuatl words fascinating. Understanding how Aztec civilization shaped English through words like "chocolate" (chocolatl), "tomato" (tomatl), and "avocado" (ahuacatl) connects you to cultural history.
Test preparation
SAT, ACT, and GRE vocabulary includes many Nahuatl-derived words, especially in food and geography contexts. Words like "chocolate," "tomato," "avocado," and "coyote" all become easier to spell when you identify Nahuatl patterns. This knowledge builds test success.