Top 10 Best Languages to Learn

Les Listes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Learning a new language is always a difficult thing. However, sometimes the most difficult choice is which language should I learn? Perhaps we can help you with that. Check out below for the top 10 best languages to learn.

#10. Hindi – The Language of a Subcontinent

You might be surprised, but one of the best languages to learn is actually Hindi! In fact, with around 270 million native speakers, it is actually the 10th most spoken language in the world.

India is a growing business and technology market for business, and Hindi is one of its native languages. However, you might be thinking that don’t a lot of people in India already speak English? In fact, you are right, in a sense. Around 126 million people can actually speak English. However, around 85% of those people can’t speak it very well, and prefer to use the local language instead.^[1]mondly – 8 Exciting Reasons to Learn Hindi

Therefore, if you truly want to tap into this market, it is important to start studying some Hindi.

#9. Russian – The Language of Business and Politics

One of the best languages to learn is Russian. In fact, there are around 160 million native speakers spread throughout Central and Eastern Europe making it the 9th most spoken language in the world.^[2]MOSAlingua – 7 Reasons For Learning The Russian Language

Due to its strong political influence and history, Russian is actually one of the official languages of the United Nations.

In addition, due to the history of the USSR, many countries, who are coming up in business, speak Russian.

Therefore, by learning Russian, you open up both a lot of political and business opportunities.

#8. Japanese – The Language of Science and Technology

When thinking about the best languages to learn, Japanese might not be the first language that comes to mind. However, with over 125 million speakers, it is actually one of the most spoken languages in the world!^[3]GoAbroad – 10 Best Foreign Languages to Learn Abroad in 2019

Economically, due to Japan’s strong influences in technology and science, learning Japanese can come very handy in these sectors.

In addition, Japan has a strong cultural influence on the rest of the world from things such as sushi, kimonos, and even karaoke! Therefore, if you truly want to be better immersed in the culture, there is no better way then by learning the language!

#7. German – Language of Business

Germany is one of the strongest countries in the world. In fact, it is the 4th largest economy in the world. In addition, with over 105 million speakers it is the 13th largest spoken language!^[4]Preply – 5 Most Useful Languages to Learn This includes speakers in not only Germany, but also its wealthy neighbors Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria.

Therefore, if you are looking to do business or start a career in Europe, German is one of the best languages to learn!

#6. French – The Language of Academics and Nonprofits

French used to be the lingua franca before English. While it might not have the same level of worldwide importance that it once did, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t still carry a lot of international clout.

In fact, with over 280 million French speakers, it is one of the most spoken languages in the world! In addition, around 200 million of those speakers speak French as a second language. This is because French is actually the official spoken language on 5 continents in 29 different countries!^[5]FluentU – The Polyglot’s (or Future Polyglot’s) Guide to the 10 Most Useful Languages

Because French is so widely spoken it has actually become the language of nonprofits, diplomacy, and even academics.

#5. Portuguese – It’s the Language of Brazil Too

When you think about Portuguese, you might only think about the small country of Portugal. However, Portuguese also happens to be the official language of Brazil.

Brazil is a quickly growing world economy. In fact, it is the 7th largest one in the world!^[6]Rosetta Stone – 8 Useful Languages to Learn In addition, there is a big tourism sector growing in the country. Therefore, if you want to do business in this country, learning Portuguese can be extremely helpful.

#4. Spanish – The Language of the Americas

Spanish is one of the most important languages to learn. In fact, there are over 420 million speakers, with 330 million of those being native speakers.

It is actually the official language of more than 20 countries located mostly in Latin America. However, there is also a large population of Spanish speakers in the U.S. as well at around 35 million.^[7]Day Translations – What Are The Most Important Languages of The 21st Century In fact, the United States is actually the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world and is projected to only get bigger!

#3. Arabic – The Language of the Future

Arabic is quickly becoming one of the most important languages to learn in the world. With over 295 million speakers as well as being the official language of 28 countries, it has been ranked as the 5th most powerful world language by the World Economic Forum.^[8]busuu – 10 best languages to learn in 2019

If you want to have a good chance with working in Africa and the Middle East, you should definitely consider learning Arabic.

#2. Chinese – The Most Spoken Language

Chinese, specifically Mandarin Chinese, is the most spoken language in the world today with over 955 million native speakers and 200 million non native speakers or over 14% of the world’s population!

In addition, China and the Chinese language is becoming even more influential on an international level. In fact, by 2028 it is predicted that China will surpass the United States as the world’s biggest economic power.^[9]goFluent – The Most Useful Languages to Learn in 2019

Therefore, if you are looking to get into international trade, learning Chinese will probably be very beneficial.

#1. English – One of the Best Languages to Learn in Our Global World

Currently English is the most important global language dominating in the fields of business and academia. There are over 339 million native speakers with an additional 3/4 of the world being able to speak English to some level.

In addition, English is the biggest and most important language online with around 53% of all websites written in it.^[10]Medium – 10 Most Important Business Languages in Global Market Needless to say, if you want to be able to live in our global society, English is one of the best languages to learn.