The Spanish word 'carnita' comes from combining the Spanish word 'carne' (meaning 'meat') with the diminutive suffix '-ita'. The base word 'carne' itself derives from the Latin word 'caro' (meaning 'flesh, meat'). When the diminutive suffix '-ita' is added to 'carne', it creates 'carnita' which literally means 'little meat' or 'small piece of meat'.

This word is particularly well-known in Mexican Spanish where 'carnitas' (the plural form) refers to a popular dish of braised or roasted pork that has been cut into small pieces.

The most obvious related Spanish word is 'carne', which simply means 'meat'. This is a very common word that beginners learn early in their Spanish studies. Other related words include 'carnicería' (butcher shop), 'carnicero' (butcher), and 'carnívoro' (carnivorous).

Several English words share the same Latin root 'caro'. These include 'carnivore' (meat-eater), 'carnival' (originally referring to the removal of meat - 'carne vale' meaning 'farewell to meat' - before Lent), 'carnage' (great destruction of life), and 'carnal' (relating to physical, especially sexual, needs). The scientific term 'incarnate' (embodied in flesh) also comes from this root.