11 of the Best Languages to Learn in Your Lifetime
Hola! Bonjour! 안녕하세요! Are you ready to embark on a language-learning journey that will broaden your horizons and open doors to exciting new possibilities? Whether you're drawn to the rhythmic beats of K-pop, the romantic allure of French, or the booming business opportunities in the heart of Berlin, there's a language out there waiting for you. To help you focus on one language (to start), we've put together a list of some of the best languages to learn and why they're beneficial.
What is the Best Language to Learn?
The best languages to learn depend on what you want to do, where you want to go, and who you want to connect with. As a native English speaker, you may want to learn Mandarin as a second language to engage in international business. Or maybe you're moving to Portugal and want to brush up on your Portuguese to help you prepare. Everyone's "why" is different, but if you're looking to learn a new language for fun, you have some flexibility. To help you choose one of the over 7,000 languages spoken across the world, check out our list below—in no particular order!
1. Mandarin Chinese
Aside from English, Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world, with one billion Mandarin Chinese speakers. If you're going to work in international business, this can be an especially beneficial language to learn, but it will take some time. It's estimated that learning Mandarin can take as many as 2,200 class hours or 88 weeks! Although it can be hard to learn, it's well worth the effort, as knowing Mandarin can open up a whole world of possibilities.
2. Korean
Korean is spoken by around 75 million people, primarily in North and South Korea. However, the Korean language has gained global recognition due to the popularity of Korean entertainment, music (K-pop), and dramas. Plus, South Korea is a booming hub for business and follows a fairly simplistic and logical structure.
3. Japanese
Japanese is another increasingly popular language to learn and can help you connect with business partners in one of the largest economies in the world. While the number of native speakers is primarily confined to Japan, it's still considered one of the top languages in the world. Just make sure you give yourself some patience, as writing the symbols and differentiating them from one another can be tricky! Give it a try by learning the Japanese alphabet.
4. German
The German language is spoken by 130 million people, making it a popular second language for individuals relocated to Europe. It's also one of the official languages in six different countries. Surprisingly, it's even in the same language family as English! While some people think it sound harsh, German can be quite beautiful. With the largest economy in Europe, German is also an important language to learn for professional benefits.
5. French
French is also a commonly spoken language in European countries, but some people feel it's not as useful to learn as it once was. Others disagree, especially since there are 450 million French speakers and French is the official language of 29 countries. We think it's a great language and one of the world's most beautiful spoken languages there is—even French slang sounds pretty! While the accent can be hard for English speakers to learn, practicing with a native can help. If you don't have any French-speaking friends nearby, download Tandem and find a partner today.
6. Italian
Italy is a popular travel destination, and knowing the language can help you enhance your trip and embrace cultural experiences. It's part of the romance language family, so it's easier to learn if you know Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Romanian! Plus, it's a phonetic language, meaning it sounds the same as written. This can make it easier for non-native speakers to speak the language. If you want some inspiration, check out some of these Italian artists.
7. Spanish
Spanish is the third most common language spoken in the world after Mandarin and English. It's also much more manageable for English speakers than others. Spanish is an important language, as there are 486 million native speakers worldwide. Spanish is also the official language in 20 countries and is spoken in countless more. If you want to ease into becoming bilingual, Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn for native English speakers. Plus, if you decide to learn multiple languages, knowing Spanish can serve as your intro to the romance languages. Spanish speakers live in all corners of the world, so you're bound to have the opportunity to strike up a conversation wherever you go. Kickstart your journey with some essential Spanish greetings.
8. Portuguese
Portuguese is not only the official language of Portugal but also widely spoken in Brazil, making it one of the most spoken languages in the world. With over 221 million native Portuguese speakers, learning Portuguese can be advantageous for those interested in the diverse cultures of South America or looking to do business with Portuguese-speaking countries. Additionally, Brazil is a major player in the global economy, making Portuguese a valuable language for international trade and commerce.
9. Arabic
Arabic is the fifth most spoken language worldwide, and the Middle Eastern economy is making this an important language in the business world. Arabic speakers are found in many countries, and there are 25 countries where it's the official or co-official language. However, the process of becoming fluent is no easy feat. Arabic is one of the most challenging languages to learn, so if you decide to commit, be patient with yourself. Learning a new language takes practice, commitment, and dedication, but it is possible.
10. Hindi
India is another country experiencing significant economic growth, making Hindi an increasingly important language to know. Hindi is the primary language of India and boasts over 341 million native speakers. Learning Hindi can provide access to a diverse and vibrant culture and enable communication with a substantial portion of the global population. For those interested in the film industry, Bollywood films provide an entertaining way to practice and enhance Hindi language skills.
11. Dutch
Dutch, spoken by approximately 23 million people, is the native language of the Netherlands and Belgium. It's also widely spoken in parts of the Caribbean. Learning Dutch can benefit business, as the Netherlands is a key player in international trade and has a robust economy. Additionally, Dutch shares several similarities with other Germanic languages, making it a gateway to understanding a language family with several members.
How to Determine If a Language is Useful
Every spoken language in the world is useful, but some are more common than others. The number of speakers, geographic area of use, and potential implications for your career can help you create a unique list of the best foreign languages to learn. If you're learning for fun, try to choose a language spoken in multiple countries or one that you can use in your current social life. For instance, the official language of countries across Europe varies, but roughly 130 million people speak Germany, and it's the official language of six countries. Alternatively, Spanish may enhance your social and professional life if you're in the Southern part of the U.S. So, if you don't need to learn one, pick a useful language for your life.
What is the Best Way to Learn a Language?
Regardless of whether you want to travel the world, move to a new country, or pick up a useful language for business purposes, becoming fluent can take some time. Studying a language can be challenging, but you can open up a world of opportunities with the proper tools and a positive mindset. One of the best ways to learn the language you want to focus on is to immerse yourself in conversation. If you don't live in an area that commonly speaks your target language, this can be pretty tough. That's why Tandem was created.
With millions of members worldwide, you can match with a native speaker of the language you want to learn, regardless of where you are. Having real-world conversations with like-minded individuals will help you build your skills, practice pronunciation, and learn new words. All you need to do is create a profile, match with a native speaker of your target language, and start communicating. Sign up for Tandem today to join our community and improve your fluency.
