Top 10 most spoken languages in the world: What is the most spoken language in the world? If English is your answer, you are not wrong, English does come among the top 10. On that note, let’s list the world’s top 10 most spoken languages in this article.
Below, we have compiled the world’s most spoken languages by number of native speakers, with data sourced from Ethnologue.
Rank
Language
Native speakers (in millions)
Language family
Official language in
1
English
1500
Indo-European
46 countries
2
Mandarin Chinese
1100
Sino-Tibetan
2 countries
3
Hindi
608.8
Indo-European
2 countries (India and Fiji)
4
Spanish
559.5
Indo-European
21 countries
5
Standard Arabic
332.5
 Afro-Asiatic
24 countries
6
French
311.6
Indo-European
29 countries
7
Bengali
278.2
Indo-European
2 countries (India and Bangaldesh)
8
Portuguese
263.8
Indo-European
9 countries
9
Russian
255.4
 Indo-European
4 countries
10
Urdu
237.9
 Indo-European
2 countries
A deeper insight into the most spoken languages in the world
Now, let’s understand the relevance of the world’s most spoken languages in greater detail:
1. English
English language
As a global lingua franca, English plays a crucial role in international business, science, and diplomacy. With a history shaped by diverse influences, English has become the primary language of the internet, contributing to its widespread adoption and accessibility.
2. Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese language
Widely recognised as the most spoken language in the world, Mandarin Chinese holds a significant position in global communication. Its intricate writing system, tonal nature, and rich cultural history make it a fascinating language to explore. Beyond China, Mandarin’s influence extends to Chinese-speaking communities worldwide.
As one of India’s official languages, Hindi holds a prominent place in South Asia. Its Devanagari script and diverse dialects contribute to the linguistic richness of the Indian subcontinent. Hindi’s cultural significance is evident in Bollywood films and classical literature.
4. Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish, with its roots in Latin, boasts a vibrant and diverse global community of speakers. Twenty countries have designated it as their official language and its cultural impact reaches far beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Spanish is known for its melodious sound, making it a popular language choice for learners around the world.
5. Standard Arabic
Standard Arabic language
Uniting the Arabic countries as a major language in the region, Standard Arabic is used for government purposes and official speeches/documents exclusively. Based on Stadard Arabic as a foundation, one can come to learn the various Arabic dialects around the region. Further, Arabic literature also makes use of this language for easy accessibility.
Belonging to the Indo-European language family, French is popularised for the gentleness attached to it. Further, French is also considered an important language in the world of business, prompting many around the world to learn it.
7. Bengali
Bengali language
Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh, is also widely spoken in the Indian state of West Bengal. Known for its poetic and artistic traditions, Bengali has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to literature, music, and cinema.
8. Portuguese
Portuguese language
Portuguese has a global influence as the official language of Portugal and several countries in South America. Its unique phonetics and expressions contribute to its distinctiveness, and the language’s legacy is deeply embedded in the history of exploration and trade.
9. Russian
Russian language
Russian, with its Cyrillic script, holds a central place in the cultural and political landscape of Russia and neighbouring countries. The language’s unique phonetics and expressive vocabulary add to its charm, making it a fascinating subject of study for language enthusiasts worldwide.
10. Urdu
Urdu language
The language of poets, Urdu carries immense cultural significance. When Pakistan earned its independence in 1947, Urdu was chosen as an official language for the newly formed country- as it was widely spoken by Muslims in the north and northwest of British India. Currently, Urdu is an invaluable vehicle carrying forward the cultural heritage of South Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
1. Which language is the king of all languages?
Declaring a single “king of all languages” is subjective and depends on various criteria. Each language holds its unique cultural, historical, and global significance. Mandarin Chinese boasts the highest number of native speakers, while English serves as a global medium of communication. The title “king of all languages” remains a matter of perspective, influenced by factors such as native speakers, cultural impact, and international influence.
2. What is the hardest language to learn in the world?
Mandarin Chinese is considered the most challenging language in the world. It poses a formidable challenge for English speakers, attributed to its tonal pronunciations (four tones), distinctive idioms, and extensive use of logographic characters.
