The Spanish word 'karateka' comes from Japanese and is a compound of two elements: 'karate' meaning 'empty hand' (referring to the martial art), and the suffix '-ka' meaning 'person who does'. When combined, these elements create the meaning 'karate practitioner' or 'one who practices karate'. This word was borrowed from Japanese into Spanish with the same meaning and structure.

The word 'karate' by itself is also used in Spanish, referring to the martial art. While 'karateka' specifically refers to the practitioner, 'karate' is the more basic and commonly encountered word.

English also uses both 'karate' and 'karateka', borrowed from the same Japanese source. While 'karate' is very common in English, 'karateka' is used more in formal or specialized contexts when specifically referring to a karate practitioner. The English word 'karate' maintains the same meaning of the Japanese martial art of 'empty hand'.