5 Best Languages to Learn in 2026

Key takeaways: 

• Spanish: Best for global reach, travel, and everyday business and life in the U.S.
• French: Ideal for culture lovers and international careers in diplomacy, luxury, and global organizations.
• Japanese: Perfect for Japan-focused travel and business opportunities, especially as tourism booms.
• Mandarin Chinese: The strongest choice for long-term career growth and access to the world’s largest language community.
• Arabic: A standout skill for business, diplomacy, and cultural depth across the Middle East and North Africa.

How to choose the right language:

• Pick Spanish or French if you want an easier start with fast, practical results.
• Choose Japanese or Mandarin if your goals are international business, tech, or working abroad.
• Go with Arabic if you want a rare, high-impact skill with cultural and geopolitical relevance.

In 2026, the best languages to learn are Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Arabic. Learning any language keeps your brain sharp, improving memory and focus. But prioritizing one of these useful languages is even more beneficial. They can be a huge asset for travel, international studies, and business. 

If you’re considering learning a new language, this guide can help you choose the right one. Below, we’ll break down the five best languages to learn in 2026, explaining why each one matters right now and how to start learning. Take a moment to think about your interests and goals, then see which language fits you best.

Prefer to jump straight in? Find a native-speaking tutor on italki and start learning with Spanish tutors, Japanese tutors, French tutors, English tutors, and many more.

How we chose the best languages to learn in 2026

The best languages to learn in 2026 are both useful and accessible. Each language on our list is spoken by over 100 million people worldwide, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice. When traveling, working, or chatting online, you can actually use what you’re learning.

We prioritized languages that are growing in global importance. These languages are spoken in countries that are current travel hotspots. Learning the local language helps you navigate these new destinations and connect with the culture. This makes travel a whole lot less stressful and far more fun. 

Speakers of these languages are also becoming more prominent on the international business scene. If you’re looking for career opportunities, speaking these languages can help you expand your current business or boost that resume. 

Finally, we considered how accessible each language is for English speakers. Since these languages are widely spoken and taught, it’s easy to find a native-speaking tutor online. Although some foreign languages are more difficult than others, a private one-on-one teacher can dramatically speed up your progress.

What is the best language to learn?

Five languages are especially valuable for learners in 2026: Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin, and Arabic. Below, we’ll detail what makes each one worth learning, like key benefits, practical uses, and potential challenges. 

1. Spanish (Best for expanding your global network) 

• Global speakers: over 600 million 
• Difficulty level: Easy for English speakers
• Primary advantage: Business, career goals, widespread travel, and cultural connections

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages. It has the second-highest number of native speakers, and it’s the most commonly spoken second language in the United States. It’s also one of the easiest languages for native English speakers to learn. If you already know a few phrases, you’ve got a head start. 

Spanish is the official language of 20 countries, plus the US territory of Puerto Rico. It’s spoken in Spain and Equatorial Guinea, and South and Central America. If you love traveling, speaking Spanish doesn’t just help you get around these regions; it allows you to mingle with locals and understand cultures. 

Learning Spanish as a second language also offers real-world benefits closer to home. 13% of US Americans speak Spanish in their households. Customer-facing industries like retail, hospitality, and healthcare have many Spanish-speaking clients, and using their native language supports communication and builds rapport. It can also help expand your business or negotiate international deals. 

Spanish gives you deeper access to Hispanic culture. If you love Latin music, you can finally understand the lyrics. The names of your favorite Mexican and Cuban dishes suddenly make sense. And you can enjoy all those Spanish TV shows like Money Heist without the awkward dubbing or subtitles. 

There are ways to easily learn some Spanish through exposure. Spanish resources are everywhere, from radio and literature to movies and TV. However, you’ll need a strong foundation to understand Spanish media. Private Spanish online lessons on italki can get you started and have you speaking from day one. 

Find your online Spanish tutor

Read more: Why Learn Spanish: 5 Reasons to Learn the Language 

2. French (Best for culture lovers and international business professionals)

• Global speakers: over 300 million 
• Difficulty level: Easy for English speakers
• Primary advantage: Business opportunities and rich cultural immersion

Aside from English, French is the most studied language in the world. The number of global speakers is increasing, and by 1950, it’s projected to be one of the top three most spoken languages. This makes French valuable for cultural exchange and international business. And hey, if you start learning French online now, you’ll be well ahead of the curve.

French is the official language of 29 countries across five continents. It’s spoken in France, Switzerland, Canada, Haiti, and Senegal, among many others. It’s essential to diplomacy and is an official language of international organizations like the Olympic Committee, NATO, and the United Nations.

It’s widely used in industries involving fashion, luxury goods, and hospitality. When traveling, speaking French makes reading menus, navigating cities, and asking for local recommendations much easier. After all, the French have a reputation for not catering to English-speaking tourists, so it’s best to be prepared.

French also opens doors to cultural and intellectual pursuits. From Victor Hugo’s classic literature to modern French cinema and art, the language gives you deeper access to these works. Because if we’re honest, certain things like poetry and philosophy just don’t translate.

The language is relatively easy for English speakers. French and English share similarities, like an alphabet and some vocabulary and structure, which helps beginners gain momentum. 

To pick up the pace, particularly with pronunciation and conversation, we recommend learning with a native speaker. Italki makes it easy by allowing you to filter for scheduling, pricing, and goals. You don’t waste time scrolling and can actually find a teacher that fits your life and budget.  

Find your French tutor online.

3. Japanese (Best for international business and travel enthusiasts)

• Global speakers: 123 million 
• Difficulty level: Hard for English speakers
• Primary advantage: Business opportunities, versatile travel, and niche cultural experiences

2026 is the year to learn Japanese because tourism is booming. A weaker yen is making Japan affordable, and there’s a gorgeous mix of history, culture, and modern sightseeing. As the economy strengthens again, it’s also an opportune time to invest or work here. 

Japanese is spoken in Japan, which has around 123 million native speakers. If you plan to visit, live, or work here, this is the language to choose. It can be challenging to communicate otherwise, and etiquette goes a long way in Japanese culture. Using a few polite phrases can help make the right impression.  

Why visit? If you love anime, manga, or Japanese films or literature, you must visit the source. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the futuristic cities, while historical buffs explore ancient temples. Foodies will be in their element with funky street treats and Tokyo’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Those preferring relaxation can embrace the serene gardens and nature retreats. 

Japan’s business opportunities have high earning potential, and the country is open to foreign talent. The country has a huge tech scene, and the capital city of Tokyo is a global financial hub. However, the language barrier is real. Learning Japanese sets you apart and shows dedication.

Japanese uses three main Japanese writing systems, and the vocabulary and grammar are vastly different from English. This can feel daunting, but a native speaking teacher is one of the best ways to get your bearings. Finding a local Japanese tutor can be tricky, but italki has nearly 1,000 online Japanese teachers, making it easy to find one you like and learn from home. 

Find your Japanese teacher

4. Mandarin Chinese (Best for future career opportunities)

• Global speakers: 1.3 billion
• Difficulty level: Hard for English speakers
• Primary advantage: Access to a huge global community and economy

Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world, connecting you with over a billion people. China’s economy influences everything from manufacturing to tech, so if you’re looking for international business opportunities, learning Chinese is well worth it. 

Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore, with significant Mandarin-speaking communities worldwide. Although China has several spoken languages, Mandarin Chinese is the most widely used, and there are efforts to make Mandarin universally spoken by 2030. 

Speaking Chinese is a huge asset for international business, tech, finance, and tourism. Learning Chinese helps you communicate directly with Chinese colleagues, clients, and suppliers. Since China is big on personal interactions and building trust, the language instantly gives you a competitive edge.

Chinese-speaking countries also have a rich culture that is often missed due to language barriers. The Chinese have an ancient tradition of opera and calligraphy, and a written history that dates back 3,600 years. 

Chinese grammar is surprisingly easy, but this foreign language is hard for English speakers because it uses a logographic writing system and is tonal. Pronouncing tones is no easy feat and requires significant coaching. Italki can connect you with native-speaking Mandarin tutors to fine-tune these skills.

Find your Chinese/Mandarin tutor  

Read more: Why learn Chinese? 11 reasons why learning Chinese may be your best decision ever.

5. Arabic (Best for opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa)

• Global speakers: 420 million 
• Difficulty level: Hard for English speakers
• Primary advantage: International business, cultural and religious access

Few non-native speakers learn Arabic, so taking classes can seriously set you apart. It’s a powerful skill that gives you access to fast-growing regions in business, diplomacy, and international affairs. It also helps you travel through fascinating regions.

Arabic is the official language of over 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. This region has a wealth of history, art, and culture. Learning Arabic can help you find your way to the Pyramids of Giza, discover the lesser-known corners of Marrakesh markets, and join locals for mint tea in a Jordanian cafe. 

Arabic is the language of the Quran. For anyone studying world religions or hoping to better understand the Islamic faith, learning Arabic can help you interpret the original text.

Learning Arabic does come with a learning curve. It uses a different alphabet and is written from right to left. But it is phonetic, so once you’ve mastered it, you’re solid.  

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is used in business, media, and education across the Arab world. Regional dialects like Egyptian and Levantine are what’s actually spoken in daily conversation. The right choice depends on your specific goals. Most Arabic teachers on italki teach both, so you can learn from native speakers and tailor your approach from day one.  

Find your Arabic tutor 

What is the best way to learn a language?

The best way to learn languages is by practicing with native speakers. Sure, apps and textbooks are great, but you can’t have a real conversation with them. Speaking from day one is the fastest way to become fluent. Native-speaking teachers correct your mistakes in real time and teach the nuances of languages, like using slang without sounding silly. 

What’s awesome is that finding an instructor is super easy. With online platforms, you don’t even need to leave home. However, some platforms, like italki, have a far wider reach than others. 

Currently, italki is the leading online platform for personalized language learning. It’s been in operation for over 15 years, offering lessons with 20,000+ teachers. It’s trusted by over 5 million learners worldwide and supports more than 150 languages across 190 countries. Such variety means you can browse online tutors to find one that fits your schedule, budget, and learning style.

When improving language skills, consistency is key. There are ways to practice a foreign language every day, like exposure through music, podcasts, videos, and reading. With time, the words and sentence structures become more familiar, and you pick up new vocabulary naturally. Once you have a solid foundation, you can even set your phone to the target language.

The best way to learn languages is to focus on a mix of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Italki classes cover all these bases. With the one-on-one format, your tutor can tailor classes to your specific needs. Since you’re constantly going back and forth, the speaking part is especially easy and affordable. 

How to start learning your chosen language

Once you’ve chosen a language, you can start learning with a few simple steps:

1. Head to italki.com.
2. Log in or sign up. New members must create a profile and choose a language. 
3. Browse tutors. Use the “find a teacher” feature to filter for availability, pricing, and preferred teacher type. Teachers are either Professionals (certified instructors with structured classes) or Community Tutors (native speakers who focus on conversation practice). 
4. Choose a tutor. Read profiles, watch intro videos, and consider your goals. 
5. Request a trial lesson. 
6. Accept your teacher’s invite. If your teacher accepts your request, they’ll send you an invitation with a scheduled time. Make sure you agree on your preferred platform (italki Classroom, Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc.) 

These five options are the most useful languages to learn in 2026, opening doors to travel, culture, and real career opportunities. Choose one that aligns with your goals, but learn in a way that actually sticks. 

You’ll see faster results from personalized support than apps alone. Italki connects you to 20,000+ tutors trusted by over 5 million learners, so browse your options and start learning on italki today.

FAQ 

What’s the most useful language to learn?

Languages with a high number of worldwide speakers that are growing in global importance are the most beneficial. But ultimately, the most useful language to learn depends on your goals and whether you plan to travel, live, or work in a specific region. If you have a pension for a language or culture, that foreign language provides more personal value. 

What are the top 5 easiest languages to learn?

For English speakers, the easiest languages to learn are Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French, and Dutch. These languages are closely related to English, share the same alphabet, and have overlapping vocabulary. Several are phonetic and have straightforward grammar rules and structure. 

What’s the best age to learn languages?

The age you are now. You can’t go back in time, so you may as well embrace the present.

But technically, children under 10 acquire language faster than adults. If you have kids, consider exposing them to foreign languages or enrolling them in classes.  

What is the best app to learn a new language? 

For well-rounded learning, the italki app is the best choice. Many apps stop at basic vocabulary and phrases, but italki has it all. It connects you to native speakers to practice real conversations, improving speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. It offers access to over 150 languages and 20,000 teachers, plus language exchanges, community forums, and practice tools.