The Spanish word 'marimba' comes directly from Bantu languages of Africa, where it also meant 'percussion instrument'. This is one of many words in Spanish that trace their origins to African languages, reflecting the historical connections between Africa and the Spanish-speaking world through colonization and cultural exchange. The marimba, as we know it today in Spanish, refers specifically to a xylophone-like percussion instrument with wooden bars that are struck with mallets to produce musical notes.

While 'marimba' is a relatively unique word in Spanish that came from African languages, there aren't many common Spanish words that are etymologically related to it. The word stands somewhat isolated in Spanish vocabulary, though it has given rise to terms like 'marimbista' (marimba player) and 'marimbero' (someone who plays or makes marimbas).

The English word 'marimba' is borrowed directly from Spanish and ultimately from the same Bantu source. In English, just as in Spanish, it refers to the same percussion instrument. The word has also influenced similar percussion instrument names in various languages around the world, showing how African musical traditions have spread globally.