15 of the easiest languages for Spanish speakers to learn

If you’re like us, you love languages. And you would love to speak them all!

While we always encourage language learning, we also need to be realistic: you probably don’t have time to learn dozens of languages. And you probably don’t need to, either — although it might help to save lives!

Anyway, mastering a language involves a lot more effort than using an app. Therefore, it’s worth doing some research and thinking carefully before choosing your next language to learn.

Besides your needs and personal preferences, it’s also a good idea to consider relatively “easy” languages.

But, what is the easiest language to learn for Spanish speakers?

From Italian, where even the pizza sounds poetic, to Swahili, the language that’ll have you saying 'hakuna matata' like a pro, get ready to speak a new language in no time with our ranking of the easiest languages to learn for Spanish speakers.

¡Es pan comido!

Easiest languages to learn for Spanish speakers: top 15

1. Italian

Besides being absolutely irresistible to listen to, Italian is molto facile to learn for a Spanish speaker.

Renowned for its musicality and rich cultural heritage, Italian is a Romance language like Spanish.

Its vocabulary and grammar bear striking similarities to Spanish, making it relatively easy for Spanish speakers to learn. The straightforward pronunciation and recognizable vocabulary often make Italian an enjoyable language to pick up.

Additionally, Italy's contributions to art, music, and cuisine offer plenty of cultural incentives for Spanish speakers to delve into learning Italian.

Most Italians are loud and expressive when they speak, which should resonate just fine with many Spanish speakers.

In no time, you’ll be able to order your pizza in Italian and sing along La Solitudine.

And come on, who wouldn’t want to learn the language of the Dolce Vita?

2. Portuguese

Another Romance language, Portuguese shares deep historical roots with Spanish. The languages are mutually intelligible to a certain extent, which means Spanish speakers have a head start in learning Portuguese.

The pleasant cadence of Portuguese, coupled with its melodic intonation, adds to the appeal, especially Brazilian Portuguese.

You’ll be able to interact with super welcoming people from beautiful countries, from the Brazilian Amazon forest to the big waves of Nazare — I’ve been there, and it’s as awesome as it looks.

The pasteis de nata will taste much better, and Bossa Nova will take a whole new dimension. Obrigada!

3. French

In the Romance languages club, we also find le français. Spoken in 40 countries and territories, it’s definitely a useful language to master.

While French pronunciation can be challenging, especially its nasal sounds, the vocabulary and grammar are remarkably similar to Spanish due to their common Romance origins.

Spanish speakers often find French more accessible once they overcome the pronunciation hurdles.

French culture's global influence in art, fashion, and cuisine offers a wealth of motivation for Spanish learners to explore this beautiful language — la langue de l’amour?

Learning French will also help you interact with — how can I put it — the sometimes peculiar French people and understand their sometimes questionable sense of humor.

You can also check out our special article to find out if French is easy or hard to learn.

Allez, vous reprendrez bien quelques escargots ?

4. Romanian

You might be surprised to find Romanian in this ranking of easy languages to learn for Spanish speakers.

But if you ever listened to the Romanian language, you probably noticed that it’s also a Romance language!

With a Slavic influence, it has numerous similarities with Spanish, making it relatively easy for Spanish speakers to grasp.

Its vocabulary resonates with Latin roots, and its grammar shares common features with other Romance languages. Despite being less widely spoken, Romanian culture and history are rich, offering unique insights — and a rather off-the-beaten-track destination — for language enthusiasts.

Romania is also fantastic for nature lovers, with some of the few still untamed forests of Europe.

Sorry for the cliché, but you’ll also be able to chat with Dracula. If that’s not an argument…

5. Catalan

Spoken in regions of Spain, France, and Italy, Catalan shares linguistic roots with both Spanish and French.

Spanish speakers will find Catalan grammar and vocabulary familiar, easing the learning process. The language's unique status, troubled history and rich literary tradition provide an intriguing linguistic landscape for Spanish learners to explore.

Admittedly, if you don’t plan on living or traveling regularly to Catalonia, this is not a very useful language. Unless you’re a huge Barça fan, or you have a weird fascination for scatological traditions such as the Caga Tió or Caganer — don’t ask, I’ve been living here for 16 years and it still amazes me.

However, locals really appreciate visitors who acknowledge their language. So, it might be a good idea to learn at least a few words if you’re planning a holiday in Barcelona or on the Costa Brava.

Moltes gràcies!

6. Galician

Another Romance language spoken in Spain, Galician is closely related to Portuguese and shares similarities with Spanish. Its grammar and vocabulary are akin to both languages, making it accessible for Spanish speakers.

Galicia’s distinct cultural heritage, including its vibrant music and festivals, can further captivate Spanish learners' interest.

Add a fantastic gastronomy — like Tarta de Santiago and Empanada Gallega —- and a lush, pristine coastline, and you’ll get stunning decor for any vacation or more permanent life.

It’s also the final destination — no, not this one — of the world-famous Camino de Santiago.

7. Esperanto

Esperanto started as a genius idea, developed to facilitate global communication.

Designed as an international auxiliary language, Esperanto boasts a simple and regular grammar system, making it easy for Spanish speakers to pick up.

Its vocabulary is derived from various European languages, including Romance languages like Spanish, creating a comfortable learning environment.

Esperanto's global community and emphasis on communication foster a supportive learning experience.

Seriously, what a cool language to learn!

8. Dutch

Dutch, a West Germanic language, shares some similarities with English and German. While its pronunciation might pose a challenge, Spanish speakers proficient in English could find Dutch more accessible due to the shared Germanic roots.

The Netherlands and Belgium offer a wealth of cultural resources, from literature to cinema, and are also popular destinations for digital nomads and visitors alike.

9. Swedish

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: you don’t need to learn Swedish to assemble a Billy shelf — or maybe you do?

But hear me out: Swedish is the language of Abba, meatballs and Pippi Calzaslargas. And it’s not as difficult as you might think.

A North Germanic language, Swedish features a straightforward grammar system and a pronunciation style that might sound musical — and funny — to Spanish ears.

Additionally, Swedish vocabulary shares similarities with English, making it relatively easy for Spanish speakers, especially those already familiar with English, to learn.

Learning a bit of Swedish can also help you avoid eating Surströmming — we told you languages can save lives!

Sweden's progressive society, welcoming locals and rich cultural heritage enhance the appeal for language enthusiasts looking to visit or settle in the country.

Finally, Sweden boasts an unspoiled nature, from the Stockholm archipelago to the Lapland wilderness.

10. Norwegian

Let’s stay in Scandinavia, because it’s my favorite European region.

Ok, objectively, Norwegian is not THE easiest language to learn for Spanish speakers.

However, like Swedish, it has a simple grammar structure and is phonetically regular. Its pronunciation might be challenging, but Spanish speakers with a grasp of English could find Norwegian accessible due to the shared Germanic roots.

Norway's stunning natural landscapes — repeatedly voted as the most beautiful country on earth by Lonely Planet, and I shall agree — and a strong emphasis on education provides additional motivation for Spanish learners.

Its high standards of living and world-class facilities make it a very attractive country to settle in.

11. Danish

Danish, another North Germanic language, features a relatively uncomplicated grammar system. While its pronunciation can be tricky, its vocabulary shares similarities with English and German. Spanish speakers might find Danish accessible, especially after learning basic English or German.

Denmark's cultural contributions in eco-friendly design, architecture, and literature offer enticing avenues for language exploration.

It’s also the birthplace of Hygge, so you might want to linger a little longer once you speak the language…

12. Indonesian/Malay

If you prefer tropical beaches to snow-capped mountains, you might be more motivated to learn our next easy language to learn for Spanish speakers.

And, admittedly, it’s a lot cheaper to stay in Bali than in Oslo…

Indonesian and Malay, both belonging to the Austronesian language family, boast simple grammar and pronunciation rules.

Spanish speakers can find these languages relatively easy to learn, especially for basic communication. In fact, the basics can be acquired really quickly, making it very motivating to learn, without mentioning the friendly locals.

Indonesia's diverse culture and picturesque landscapes add depth to the learning experience.

13. Tagalog (Filipino)

The Spanish influence on Filipino culture traces its roots back to the Spanish East Indies, ruled from Mexico City and Madrid.

Today, English and Filipino, a standardized form of Tagalog, are the most commonly spoken languages in the country. Spanish was an official language until after the People Power Revolution in 1986, so Tagalog has borrowed quite a few words from it.

The official language of the Philippines features straightforward grammar and pronunciation.

While its vocabulary differs significantly from Spanish, its regularity and simplicity make it accessible for Spanish speakers.

The Philippines' rich cultural tapestry, including its cuisine, music, and festivals, offer intriguing cultural insights for language enthusiasts.

14. Swahili

Have you ever heard Hakuna Matata? Then you know some Swahili!

Who wouldn’t want to learn such a positive language?

Swahili, an East African language with significant influence from Arabic and other languages, features a simple grammar system and phonetic pronunciation.

While its vocabulary is different, its consistent pronunciation rules make it relatively easy for Spanish speakers to learn.

Swahili's widespread use in East Africa and its role as a lingua franca enhance its cultural significance for language learners.

15. Tok Pisin

Here is a language for everyone looking to learn something original — and show off about it.

Tok Pisin, spoken in Papua New Guinea, is a Creole language with simplified grammar and vocabulary. Spanish speakers might find it relatively easy to learn, especially for basic communication.

Papua New Guinea's diverse indigenous cultures and unique traditions provide a fascinating backdrop for real explorers who want to learn and practice Tok Pisin. If you wonder what it sounds like, there you go.

However, before you pack your suitcase to venture into beautiful Papua New Guinea, make sure to read the latest information, as some areas might not be safe.

Bonus: English

If you’re reading this article, you probably understand English. And if your skills are still limited, it’s really worth making a little effort to work on them.

English is generally considered easier to learn for Spanish speakers compared to many other languages. There are several reasons for this:

Shared vocabulary

English and Spanish share many words of Latin origin due to their common Indo-European roots. This shared vocabulary can make it easier for Spanish speakers to recognize and understand new words in English.

Simple grammar

English has a relatively simple grammar structure, especially when compared to languages with complex inflectional systems like Russian or German.

Spanish speakers are already familiar with verb conjugation, gendered nouns, and other grammatical concepts, which are also present in English, albeit in a simpler form.

Common sentence structure

Both English and Spanish follow a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) sentence structure. This similarity in word order simplifies the process of constructing sentences for Spanish speakers learning English.

Availability of learning resources

English is widely taught around the world, and there are abundant resources available for learning English as a second language. Spanish speakers can find textbooks, online courses, language exchange programs, TV shows, movies, songs and English-speaking communities to practice their skills.

Global influence

English is a global lingua franca — sorry, Esperanto — used in international business, science, technology, and entertainment. This widespread use provides Spanish speakers with ample opportunities to practice and improve their English skills.

In fact, English is so powerful that it has sneaked into other languages. Ever heard of Spanglish?

The most fun languages to learn

Obviously, difficulty should not be the only criterion when choosing a new language to learn.

You should also factor in things like the number of speakers, popularity, career opportunities, travel plans, access to native speakers, and last but not least, motivation and your own interests.

It will be A LOT easier to learn any language, or any new skill for that matter, if you’re motivated and passionate. You might want to check out these fun languages to learn or the easiest languages for English speakers to learn here.

Congratulations, language explorer!

You've just unlocked a treasure trove of 15 of the easiest languages for Spanish speakers to learn.

Learning some of these beautiful languages will open an array of new horizons.

From the African savanna to the remote jungle of Papua New Guinea, with a quick stop for some Swedish köttbullar and an Italian gelato, get ready for a linguistic adventure you never imagined.

¡Buena suerte y feliz aprendizaje!