There are over 7,100 documented languages in the world! That means anyone looking to learn a new language shouldn’t suffer from a shortage of choices. However, despite the numerous options available, studying a widely spoken language often gives you a better bang for your buck. That’s because popular languages tend to have more reliable language-learning resources available.
Moreover, learning widely spoken languages is a sure way of opening up more opportunities, especially n the business world. So, which are some of the most commonly spoken languages in the world today? We’ve done some digging to bring you this list of the 40 most spoken languages in the world. Read on.
What Are The Most Spoken Languages in the World?
Ranking the world’s most spoken languages isn’t as straightforward as one might assume. That’s because people are always picking up a new language daily, and the popularity of certain languages can shift over time. Moreover, when determining the rankings, should we count the total speakers or only the native speakers?
To address this, we have sourced our data from Ethnologue, the world’s most reliable resource for linguistic information. Based on their comprehensive data, we have chosen to rank the most spoken languages in the world by considering both the number of native speakers and those who speak the language as a second language.
| Language | Number of Speakers | Number of Native Speakers | Percentage of the World Population | Language Origin |
| English | 1.452 billion | 372.9 million | 18.15% | Indo-European |
| Mandarin Chinese | 1.118 billion | 929 million | 13.97% | Sino-Tibetan |
| Hindi | 602.2 million | 343.9 million | 7.52% | Indo-Aryan |
| Spanish (español) | 548.3 million | 474.7 million | 6.85% | Indo-European |
| French (français) | 274.1 million | 79.9 million | 3.42% | Indo-European |
| Modern Standard Arabic (Al-Arabiya) | 274 million | 0 | 3.42% | Afro-Asiatic |
| Bengali (Bangla) | 272.7 million | 233.7 million | 3.4% | Indo-Aryan |
| Russian (Russkij) | 258.2 million | 154 million | 3.22% | Balto-Slavic |
| Portuguese (português) | 257.7 million | 232.4 million | 3.22% | Indo-European |
| Urdu | 231.3 million | 70.2 million | 2.89% | Indo-Aryan |
| Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) | 199 million | 43.6 million | 2.48% | Malayo-Polynesian |
| Standard German (Deutsch) | 134.6 million | 75.6 million | 1.68% | Indo-European |
| Japanese (Nihongo) | 125.4 million | 125.3 million | 1.56% | Japonic |
| Nigerian Pidgin (Naija) | 120.7 million | 4.7 million | 1.5% | English Creole |
| Marathi | 99.1 million | 83.1 million | 1.23% | Indo-Aryan |
| Telugu | 95.7 million | 82.7 million | 1.19% | Dravidian |
| Turkish (Türkçe) | 88.1 million | 82.2 million | 1.1% | Turkic |
| Tamil | 86.4 million | 78.4 million | 1% | Dravidian |
| Yue Chinese (Cantonese) | 85.6 million | 85.2 million | 1% | Sino-Tibetan |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | 85.3 million | 84.6 million | 1% | Austroasiatic |
| Tagalog (Filipino) | 82.3 million | 28.2 million | 1% | Austronesian |
| Wu Chinese | 81.8 million | 81.7 million | 1% | Sino-Tibetan |
| Korean (Hanguk-mal) | 81.7 million | 76 million | 1% | Koreanic |
| Iranian Persian (Fārsī) | 77.4 million | 56.4 million | 1% | Iranian |
| Hausa (Haoussa) | 77.1 million | 50.8 million | 1% | Afro-Asiatic |
| Egyptian Spoken Arabic (Masri) | 74.8 million | 56.4 million | 1% | Afro-Asiatic |
| Swahili (Kiswahili) | 71.4 million | 16.1 million | 1% | Niger-Congo |
| Javanese (basa Jawa) | 68.3 million | N/A | 1% | Malayo-Polynesian |
| Italian (Italiano) | 67.9 million | 64.8 million | 0.85% | Indo-European |
| Western Punjabi (Lahnda) | 66.4 million | 60.6 million | 0.8% | Indo-Aryan |
| Kannada (Kanarese) | 64 million | 48.6 million | 0.8% | Dravidian |
| Gujarati (Gujerati) | 62 million | 57 million | 0.77% | Indo-Aryan |
| Thai (Siamese) | 60.7 million | 20.7 million | 0.75% | Kra-Dai |
| Amharic (Amarinya) | 57.5 million | 32.4 million | 0.71% | Afro-Asiatic |
| Bhojpuri | 52.5 million | 52.3 million | 0.65% | Indo-Aryan |
| Eastern Punjabi | 51.7 million | 48.1 million | 0.64% | Indo-Aryan |
| Min Nan Chinese | 49.7 million | 49.3 million | 0.62% | Sino-Tibetan |
| Jin Chinese | 47.1 million | N/A | 0.58% | Sino-Tibetan |
| Yoruba | 45.6 million | 43.6 million | 0.57% | Niger-Congo |
| Hakka Chinese | 44.1 million | 43.8 million | 0.55% | Sino-Tibetan |
1. English - 1.452 Billion Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 1.452 Billion Speakers |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 372.9 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-European |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | The United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and 82 others. |
English is the most spoken language in the world with 1.452 billion total speakers, of whom 372.9 million are native English speakers. That’s why it serves as a global lingua franca, especially in the business world. Interestingly, English also has the largest vocabulary of any language.
In addition to being an official language in 86 countries, English is also widely used by international institutions such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. Consequently, learning the world’s common language is highly beneficial as it provides access to a vast range of educational, professional, and cultural opportunities globally.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn English
- #1 app to learn English audio – EnglishClass101
- Alternative: ELSA Speak
2. Mandarin Chinese - 1.118 Billion Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 1.118 Billion |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 929 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Sino-Tibetan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | China, Taiwan, and Singapore |
With 1.118 billion total speakers, including 929 million native speakers, Mandarin Chinese is the second most spoken language globally, representing nearly 14% of the world’s population. It belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family. Mandarin Chinese is the official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore.
Mandarin Chinese is recognized by international institutions such as the UN, making it a significant language on the global stage. Learning Mandarin as a second language is highly advantageous due to China’s growing influence in the business world.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Mandarin Chinese
- #1 app to learn Chinese with audio – ChineseClass101
- Alternatives: Rocket Chinese & Rosetta Stone Mandarin
3. Hindi - 602.2 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 602.2 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 343.9 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | India |
Hindi is spoken by 602.2 million individuals, with 343.9 million native speakers, making it the second most spoken language in Asia and the third most spoken language in the world. This widely spoken language is an Indo-Aryan language, which is part of the larger Indo-European language family.
Hindi is one of the two official languages of India and is also commonly spoken in several other countries, including Nepal, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Africa. Although not as widely used in international institutions, learning Hindi as a second language will allow you to connect with a significant portion of the world’s population, opening up endless personal and business opportunities.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Hindi
- #1 app we recommend – HindiPod101
- Alternative – Rocket Hindi
4. Spanish - 548.3 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 548.3 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 474.7million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-European |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and 17 others. |
Spanish, with 548.3 million total speakers, including 474.7 million native Spanish speakers, is one of the most popular languages in the world. Like other romance languages, Spanish is a commonly studied language, especially by English speakers.
It is the official language in 21 countries around the world and one of the official languages of over 70 international organizations. Learning Spanish as a second language opens doors to a vast network of Spanish speakers, facilitating travel, business, and cultural experiences.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Spanish
- #1 app we recommend for audio podcasts – SpanishPod101
- Alternatives: Rocket Spanish, Rosetta Stone Spanish, Pimsleur Spanish, and Babbel Spanish
5. French - 274.1 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 274.1 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 79.9 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-European |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and 25 others. |
French stands as one of the world’s most popular languages, boasting a staggering 274.1 million total speakers. Among them, 79.9 million claim it as their mother tongue. French holds the status of an official language in 29 countries and enjoys recognition from esteemed organizations like the United Nations, UNESCO, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Consequently, French has cemented its position as a widely spoken language across the globe. Similar to other romance languages, French is also a commonly studied language, especially by English speakers. Learning French as a second language can offer advantages in fields like diplomacy, international business, fashion, arts, and literature.
It is the official language in 21 countries around the world and one of the official languages of over 70 international organizations. Learning Spanish as a second language opens doors to a vast network of Spanish speakers, facilitating travel, business, and cultural experiences.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn French
- #1 app we recommend – FrenchPod101
- Alternatives: Rocket French, Rosetta Stone French, and Pimsleur French
6. Modern Standard Arabic - 274 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 274 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 0 |
| 📚 Language origin: | Afro-Asiatic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and 22 others. |
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the most widely spoken language in the Middle East and North Africa with a whopping 274 million speakers. Interestingly, MSA is neither the first language nor the native language of any particular group, rather, it is the literary standard for all Arabic speakers.
Consequently, it is the official language in 26 countries and is one of the official languages of the UN and the Arab League. Learning Modern Standard Arabic as a second language allows you to be understood by all Arabic speakers across the world, meaning you won’t need to learn any other Arabic dialect.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Arabic
- #1 app we recommend – ArabicPod101
- Alternative – Rocket Arabic
7. Bengali - 272.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 272.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 233.7 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Bangladesh |
Bengali is one of the most spoken languages in Asia with 272.7 million total speakers and is the native language of 233.7 million people. It is the national language of Bangladesh and one of the 23 scheduled Indian languages.
That’s because Bengali is widely spoken in several Indian states, including West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. Learning Bengali as a second language opens doors to vibrant Bengali culture, literature, and cinema.
Recommended resources:
8. Russian - 258.2 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 258.2 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 154 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Balto-Slavic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan |
There’s no denying that Russian is one of the most popular languages in the world thanks to its impact on the global political and cultural landscape. It boasts 258.2 million total speakers with 154 million of them being first-language speakers, making it the eighth most spoken language in the world. But, despite its popularity, Russian is an official language in only four countries.
However, it is the mother tongue of millions of language speakers in 19 other countries that used to be part of the Soviet Union. Learning Russian as a second language is vital if you want to be an astronaut, as it is one of the two official languages of communication and collaboration aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Russian
- #1 app we recommend – RussianPod101
- Alternative – Rocket Russian
9. Portuguese - 257.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 257.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 232.4 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-European |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and several other countries |
With 257.7 million total Portuguese speakers, of whom 232.4 million speak it as their first language, Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and the second most spoken language in South America, after Spanish.
In fact, Portuguese and Spanish are so closely related that they are mutually intelligible in the written form. That means Portuguese speakers can understand much of what Spanish speakers put down in writing. This beautiful language is official in nine countries and in numerous international committees.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Portuguese
- #1 app we recommend – PortuguesePod101
- Alternative – Rocket Portuguese
10. Urdu - 231.3 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 231.3 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 70.2 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Pakistan and India |
Urdu, despite being the national language of Pakistan, is one of the most spoken languages in India. It boasts 231.3 million total speakers, with more than half of them residing in India. Urdu and Hindi are so closely related that they are mutually intelligible in speaking.
Consequently, Urdu is one of the official Indian languages since it is a common language in India. This Indo-Aryan language is one of the two official languages of Pakistan and learning it will open up opportunities in both Pakistan and India.
Recommended resources:
11. Indonesian - 199 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 199 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 43.6 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Malayo-Polynesian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Indonesia |
With over 199 million total speakers and 43.6 million native speakers, Indonesian is the most spoken language in South-East Asia. Despite being the official language of Indonesia, the majority of Indonesians don’t speak it as their first language.
That’s because Indonesian is a standardized version of the Malay language, and is not indigenous to Indonesia. It just happens to be the most common language spoken in the country. This interesting language is easy to learn thanks to the simplicity of its grammar and pronunciation.
Recommended resources:
12. German - 134.6 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 134.6 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 75.6 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-European |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein |
Standard German is a language spoken by 134.6 million people worldwide, including 75.6 million native speakers, making it one of the most spoken languages in the EU. It is the official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, and is recognized as a minority language in several other countries.
Thanks to its strong influence in fields like science, philosophy, and literature, German is one of the most studied languages on the globe and is widely considered one of the most important world languages. Learning this common language is highly beneficial since German-speaking countries offer excellent education opportunities and a high quality of life.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn German
- #1 for audio – GermanPod101
- Alternative – Rocket German
13. Japanese - 125.4 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 125.4 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 125.3 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Japonic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Japan |
Japanese, with 125.4 million total speakers, almost all of whom are native speakers, is the most common language in Japan. Interestingly, Japanese is not the official language of Japan, as the country hasn’t officially declared it as one. It is only considered one since it is the only language spoken by most natives.
Learning Japanese comes with perks such as gaining a better understanding of Japanese culture, literature, anime, and manga. Learning Japanese also provides numerous career opportunities considering Japan is the third-largest economy in the world.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Japanese
- #1 app we recommend – JapanesePod101
- Rocket Japanese, Rosetta Stone Japanese, and Pimsleur Japanese
14. Nigerian Pidgin - 120.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 120.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 4.7 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | English Creole |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
There are over 500 languages spoken in Nigeria. As such, Nigerians had to come up with a lingua franca to facilitate ease of communication between them, and that’s how this language was born. Like many modern languages considered pidgins, Nigerian Pidgin is a mixture of English and other languages spoken in the country.
Despite being the most common language in the country with a whopping 120.7 million language speakers, Nigerian Pidgin is not recognized as an official language in Nigeria. That said, learning the most widely spoken language in Nigeria will allow you to partake in the country’s vibrant music, film, and literature scene.
15. Marathi - 99.1 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 99.1 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 83.1 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
With 99.1 million language speakers, Marathi is the third most common language spoken in India. The majority of its 83.1 million native speakers reside in the Indian state of Maharashtra where it’s recognized as the official language. Marathi has been in its current form for approximately 1,300 years, making it one of the oldest languages spoken in the world.
Recommended resources
16. Telugu - 95.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 95.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 82.7 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Dravidian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
As part of the legendary Dravidian language family, Telugu is among the most ancient languages in the world. Nonetheless, with nearly 96 million language speakers with about 83 million being native speakers, it remains one of the most spoken languages in the world. The Telugu language comes with its own unique script, making it that much more appealing for non-native speakers looking for a fun challenge.
Recommended resources:
17. Turkish - 88.1 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 88.1 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 82.2 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Turkic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Turkey and Cyprus |
The Turkish language is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe with 88.1 million total speakers. Originating from the Turkic language family, the Turkish language has undergone numerous changes over the years. In fact, it was revised to use the Latin alphabet as recently as the 20th Century.
Turkish is the official language of Turkey and Cyprus and is commonly spoken as a mother tongue in nine other countries. Learning the Turkish language will allow you to enjoy the culture, hospitality, and cuisine that make Turkey an enticing destination for travel and exploration.
Recommended resources:
18. Tamil - 86.4 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 86.4 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 78.4 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Dravidian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Sri Lanka and Singapore |
Also a member of the Dravidian language family, Tamil is considered the oldest language in the world. In addition to being one of the most spoken languages in India with over 80 million speakers, it is also a common language in the neighboring countries of Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Tamil also has significant numbers of language speakers in Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, and South Africa. The Tamil language is the official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and one of the official languages of Sri Lanka and Singapore.
19. Yue Chinese - 85.6 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 85.6 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 85.2 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Sino-Tibetan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Hong Kong and Macau |
Yue Chinese is the most widely spoken language in China’s Guangdong province with 85.6 million total speakers, almost all of whom are first-language speakers. It is also the most common language spoken in Hong Kong and Macau, both of which recognize it as an official language.
Yue Chinese is the only language on this list that isn’t exactly a distinct language, but rather an amalgamation of different closely-related Chinese dialects, including Cantonese.
20. Vietnamese - 85.3 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 85.3 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 84.6 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Austroasiatic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Vietnam |
Vietnamese is from the Austroasiatic language family and is renowned for being a tonal language, meaning its words can have different meanings depending on the inflection used. With over 85 million total speakers, majority of them being first-language speakers, Vietnamese is one of the most spoken languages in Southeast Asia.
The Vietnamese language is always evolving. Its development was initially influenced by ancient languages spoken in southern China and over time, has borrowed many words from many modern languages. Learning Vietnamese as a second language will allow you to traverse the popular tourist destination with ease.
Recommended resources:
21. Tagalog - 85.3 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 82.3 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 28.2 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Austronesian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | The Philippines |
Even though Tagalog is the most spoken language in the Philippines with 82.3 million total speakers, it is not the first language of the majority of Filipinos. It is the basis for the standardized national language of the Philippines – Filipino. It also serves as the official language of the country.
Tagalog heavily incorporates Spanish loanwords due to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, meaning Spanish speakers are likely to have an easier time learning this language.
Recommended resources:
22. Wu Chinese - 81.8 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 81.8 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 81.7 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Sino-Tibetan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Wu Chinese, with 81.8 million total speakers, almost all of whom are native speakers, is a Sino-Tibetan language that is widely spoken in the eastern coastal provinces of China, including Shanghai.
It is one of the major dialect groups within the broader Chinese language family. While not an official language of international institutions, Wu Chinese holds significant cultural value as it is used in literature, theater, and traditional art forms.
23. Korean - 81.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 81.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 76 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Koreanic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | North Korea and South Korea |
Korean is one of the most spoken languages in the world with 81.7 million total speakers, including 76 million first-language speakers. Most native speakers live in North and South Korea. Korean serves as the official language in both North and South Korea.
It is worth learning as a second language for native English speakers due to the increasing popularity of Korean culture, including K-pop music, Korean dramas, and the influence of Korean cuisine.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Korean
- #1 app we recommend – KoreanClass101
- Alternatives: Rocket Korean and Rosetta Stone Korean
24. Iranian Persian - 77.4 Million Speakers lion Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 77.4 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 56.4 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Iranian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Iran |
Iranian Persian, with 77.4 million total speakers, including 56.4 million first-language speakers, is one of the most spoken languages in the Middle East. It is an Iranian language spoken primarily in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Iranian Persian is the official language of Iran and holds cultural significance in the Persian-speaking regions. The Persian language serves as the official language of international institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO.
Recommended resources:
25. Hausa - 77.1 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 77.1 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 50.8 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Afro-Asiatic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Nigeria |
With 77.1 million total speakers, of whom 50.8 million are first-language speakers, Hausa is one of the most spoken languages in Africa. Originating from the Afro-Asiatic language family, Hausa is a common language in several African countries, particularly in Nigeria, Niger, and Ghana.
It is one of the largest African languages and serves as an official language in Nigeria. Hausa is popular as a lingua franca in the region and is widely used in trade, media, and education.
26. Egyptian Arabic - 74.8 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 74.8 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 56.4 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Afro-Asiatic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Egyptian Arabic, with 74.8 million total speakers, including 56.4 million first-language speakers, is the most widely spoken Arabic dialect. It is also one of the most studied languages due to Egypt’s rich history.
While not an official language of international institutions, Egyptian Spoken Arabic is commonly spoken within the Arab League and holds cultural significance in the Middle East and North Africa.
27. Swahili - 71.4 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 71.4 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 16.1 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Niger-Congo |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. |
Swahili is one of the most spoken languages in Sub-Saharan Africa with 71.4 million total speakers and 16.1 million claiming it as their native language. Swahili speakers are scattered across East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Swahili is the lingua franca of the region and serves as an official language in several African countries. In addition, it is being used by various international organizations, such as the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC).
28. Javanese - 68.3 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 68.3 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 68.3 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Austronesian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Javanese, with 68.3 million speakers, is the most spoken language on the Indonesian island of Java and serves as the native language of the Javanese people. Most native speakers also speak Indonesian and other languages for official purposes and to communicate with non-native speakers on their island.
29. Italian - 67.9 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 67.9 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 64.8 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-European |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City. |
Spoken by 67.9 million total speakers, including 64.8 million first-language speakers, Italian is one of the most spoken languages in the world. This Romance language from the Indo-European language family is widely spoken in Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, and Vatican City, where it is an official language. It also serves as the official language of the EU and UN.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Italian
- #1 app we recommend for audio lessons – ItalianPod101
- Alternatives: Rocket Italian and Babbel Italian
30. Western Punjabi - 66.4 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 66.4 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 60.6 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Western Punjabi is one of the most spoken languages in India and Pakistan with 66.4 million total speakers, including 60.6 million first-language speakers. This Indo-Aryan language is primarily spoken in the Punjab region of Pakistan and India.
While Punjabi is the official language of the Indian state of Punjab, Western Punjabi doesn’t hold official language status in any country.
31. Kannada - 64 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 64 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 48.6 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Dravidian |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Kannada is yet another member of the Dravidian language family that made this list of the most spoken languages in the world. With 64 million total speakers, including 48.6 million first-language speakers, Kannada is the eighth most spoken language in India.
It is the most widely spoken language in the Indian state of Karnataka where Kannada is recognized as an official language. Like other Dravidian languages, Kannada is one of the most ancient languages in the world, with a rich literary tradition dating back over a thousand years.
32. Gujarati - 62 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 62 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 57 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
It seems as though Indian languages are topping our list of the most spoken languages in the world. One is Gujarati, spoken by 62 million total speakers, with 57 million being first-language speakers, is also an Indian language. Gujarati is the most widely spoken language in the Indian state of Gujarat, where it serves as an official language.
While not an official language of international institutions, Gujarati is widely spoken by the Indian diaspora, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
33. Thai - 60.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 60.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 20.7 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Kra-Dai |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Thailand |
Also known as Siamese, Thai is one of the most spoken languages in the world, with 60.7 million total speakers. Interestingly, this tonal language has more non-native speakers than actual first-language speakers since most Thais speak other languages as their mother tongue.
Still, Thai serves as the official language of Thailand. It’s worth learning as a second language due to Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination, its dynamic economy, and the global influence of Thai cuisine and martial arts.
Recommended resources:
- Best apps to learn Thai
- #1 app we recommend – ThaiPod101
34. Amharic - 57.5 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 57.5 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 32.4 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Afro-Asiatic |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Ethiopia |
Amharic, with 57.5 million total speakers, including 32.4 million first-language speakers, is from the Afro-Asiatic language family. It’s the most widely spoken language in Ethiopia. Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and holds cultural significance as one of the oldest written African languages.
While not an official language of international institutions, Amharic plays a vital role in diplomatic relations between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
35. Bhojpuri - 52.5 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 52.5 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 52.3 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Bhojpuri is yet another Indian language in contention for being one of the most spoken languages in the world. This language has 52.5 million total speakers, almost all of whom are first-language speakers.
Bhojpuri is widely spoken in the northern and eastern regions of India, particularly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. It is also commonly spoken in countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, and Guyana.
36. Eastern Punjabi - 51.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 51.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 48.1 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Indo-Aryan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Boasting 51.7 million total speakers, of whom 48.1 million are first-language speakers, Eastern Punjabi makes a good case for being one of the most spoken languages in the world. This member of the Indo-Aryan language family is widely spoken in the eastern Punjab region of India and the state of Punjab in Pakistan.
37. Min Nan Chinese - 49.7 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 49.7 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 49.3 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Sino-Tibetan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Min Nan Chinese might be among the most spoken languages in the world, but this Sino-Tibetan language almost has no non-native speakers. That’s because out of its 49.7 million total speakers, 49.3 million are first-language speakers.
Min Nan Chinese is the most spoken language in the southern regions of China, particularly in Fujian, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia. It is one of the most widely spoken Chinese languages outside of Mandarin.
38. Jin Chinese - 47.1 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 47.1 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 47.1 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Sino-Tibetan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
With 47.1 million total speakers, Jin Chinese is the most spoken language in the Shanxi province of China. However, it is not an official language in any country or international institution. Jin Chinese is worth learning as a second language for individuals interested in regional Chinese culture and linguistics or those with personal or professional connections with Jin-speaking native speakers.
39. Yoruba - 45.6 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 45.6 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 43.6 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Niger-Congo |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | Nigeria |
With 45.6 million total speakers, including 43.6 million first-language speakers, Yoruba is one of the most spoken languages in Africa. Originating from the Niger-Congo language family, Yoruba is widely spoken in southwestern Nigeria and parts of Benin and Togo.
In addition to serving as one of the official languages of Nigeria, Yoruba holds cultural significance within the African diaspora and is increasingly taught in academic institutions worldwide.
40. Hakka Chinese - 44.1 Million Speakers
| 🗣️ Number of speakers: | 44.1 million |
| 👥 Number of native speakers: | 43.8 million |
| 📚 Language origin: | Sino-Tibetan |
| 🌍 Countries where the English language is official: | – |
Closing our list of the 40 most spoken languages in the world is Hakka Chinese. It boasts 44.1 million total speakers, with 43.8 million of them claiming it as their first language. Hakka Chinese is the most spoken language in the Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Taiwan regions of China.
Why Should You Learn the Most Spoken Languages in the World?
“How many languages can you speak?” is one of the most common questions when it comes to language proficiency. Learning the most spoken languages in the world offers numerous practical and personal benefits.
First off, it enhances global communication and opens doors to new opportunities. Being able to speak a world’s common language, such as Mandarin, Spanish, or English, allows you to connect with a large portion of the world’s population, whether for business, travel, or cultural exchange.
Most importantly, learning popular languages expands your career prospects. Many industries and organizations operate on an international scale, and proficiency in a widely spoken language can give you a competitive edge.
Conclusion
Learning the most spoken languages in the world is a worthwhile endeavor with far-reaching benefits. Some of the most spoken languages come with a rich and fascinating history, not to mention great and interesting people that you’ll be glad to finally understand.
Seize the opportunity and embark on the exciting journey of learning other languages and unlocking a world of limitless possibilities.