Best Languages to Learn in 2026: Career, Travel & Personal Growth

What are the best languages to learn in 2026? It depends on your goals—career, travel, or personal growth. Here's your guide.

For Career Growth

Mandarin Chinese

• Why: Largest economy, business opportunities
• Challenge: Difficult for English speakers
• Time: 2-3 years for basics, 5+ for fluency

Spanish

• Why: 500+ million speakers, growing economies
• Challenge: Moderate difficulty
• Time: 6-12 months for conversation

Arabic

• Why: Strategic regions, business opportunities
• Challenge: Very difficult (script, grammar)
• Time: 2-3 years for basics

For Travel

Spanish

• Why: 20+ countries, widely spoken
• Benefit: Opens many destinations
• Time: Quickest for English speakers

French

• Why: 29 countries, tourism hubs
• Benefit: Europe, Africa, Canada
• Time: Moderate difficulty

Portuguese

• Why: Brazil, Portugal, growing tourism
• Benefit: Similar to Spanish if you know it
• Time: Easier if you know Spanish

For Personal Growth

Spanish

• Why: Accessible, widely useful
• Benefit: Culture, music, literature
• Time: Fast progress

Japanese

• Why: Unique culture, media (anime, manga)
• Challenge: Three writing systems
• Time: 2-3 years for basics

Italian

• Why: Beautiful language, culture
• Benefit: Art, food, history
• Time: Moderate difficulty

The Best Choice

The best language to learn is the one you'll actually use. Choose based on:

• Your interests: What excites you?
• Your goals: Career, travel, or personal?
• Your time: How much can you commit?

Start Learning Today

The best way to learn any language is through daily conversation practice. Start with the language that interests you most. Try Parlai and practice any language through real conversations, available 24/7.