Loanwords are words borrowed from one language and used in another, often with little or no modification. They occur when cultures interact, such as through trade, colonization, or migration. For example, the English word ballet comes from French, while sushi is borrowed from Japanese. These borrowed terms can enrich a language by introducing new concepts or items that may not have an existing word. Loanwords can also reflect cultural influences, as seen with café in English, which retains its original meaning from French. Over time, some loanwords may become so integrated that speakers forget their foreign origins.