The Spanish word 'zoofilia' is composed of two elements that come from Ancient Greek. The first part 'zoo-' comes from the Greek word 'ζῷον' (zoion) meaning 'animal' or 'living being'. The second part '-filia' derives from Greek 'φιλία' (philia) meaning 'love' or 'affinity'. When combined, these elements form 'zoofilia' which refers to sexual attraction to animals.

Several simpler Spanish words share these Greek roots. The prefix 'zoo-' appears in common words like 'zoológico' (zoo), 'zoología' (zoology), and 'zootecnia' (animal husbandry). The suffix '-filia' is found in many Spanish words describing types of attraction or affinity, such as 'bibliofilia' (love of books) or 'hispanofilia' (love of Spanish culture).

English speakers will recognize these same Greek roots in many familiar words. The 'zoo-' element appears in words like 'zoo', 'zoology', and 'zoomorphic'. The '-philia' element is seen in common English words such as 'philosophy' (love of wisdom), 'philanthropy' (love of humanity), and various terms ending in '-phile' like 'bibliophile' (book lover) or 'audiophile' (music lover).