If you’ve ever considered learning another language, you’ve probably considered both French and Spanish as potential options. As two of the most widely spoken Romance languages, there are so many benefits to studying either French or Spanish, or even both!
As for which is easier to learn out of French or Spanish, in this blog post we’ll take a look at the key differences and similarities, as well as the usefulness of both French and Spanish. We’ll also touch on whether it’s a good idea to study both these languages together.
Both French and Spanish are Romance languages, which means they have evolved from Latin and share similar grammatical structures, vocabulary roots and linguistic ancestry. That said, there are several key differences between French and Spanish language study. So, let’s take a look at three of the main French vs Spanish differences.
Without doubt, mastering pronunciation is the biggest contrast between learning French or learning Spanish. Spanish pronunciation is relatively straightforward. Since it’s a highly phonetic language, words are generally pronounced as they’re spelled. French, on the other hand, can be much trickier, since many letters are silent, nasal vowels are common and, put simply, words can often sound very different to how they’re written.
Grammar complexity is another difference, and again Spanish is widely considered to be easier in this regard. While both languages have gendered nouns and adjectives and both have similar verb conjugations, French grammar tends to have more exceptions and irregularities.
Similarly, when it comes to spelling, Spanish is a lot more consistent and it’s easier to spell new words correctly once you’ve learned the basic rules. Because of the silent letters and sometimes tricky accent marks in French, it can take longer to master the trends of French spelling.
Despite their differences, French and Spanish share a solid foundation of similarities that can make learning either one easier if you already know the other. Since they both come from Latin, these two languages share a lot of vocabulary, as well as the use of gendered nouns and adjectives, and this can make learning both French and Spanish in tandem a little easier.
Moreover, the two languages also follow similar sentence structures, generally using a subject-verb-object order. The verb conjugation forms do differ, of course, but there are similarities in the structures too, especially in the way both languages distinguish between formal and informal tenses.
It’s time to answer the big question: is Spanish easier than French? Generally, it’s believed that yes, Spanish is easier to learn than French. Why? Let’s start with the basics. Spanish pronunciation is simple and logical. It’s a phonetic language, which means that once you learn the rules, you can read and pronounce almost any word correctly. The pronunciation of French words, on the other hand, requires a little more nuance: silent letters, nasal sounds and unexpected spellings can be a real challenge for beginners.
Grammar is another area where Spanish comes out ahead. While both languages use gendered nouns and verb conjugations, Spanish grammar rules are simpler and more consistent, with fewer exceptions. French, by contrast, has many irregularities that take longer to master.
And when it comes to spelling? Spanish wins again. The spelling rules are clear and reliable, while French often includes silent letters and tricky accent marks that can confuse learners.
In short, Spanish is a more accessible language for beginners, especially those coming from English.
Spanish is not only easier to learn, it’s also far more widely spoken. With over 500 million speakers across more than 20 countries, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers. From Spain and most of Latin America to large communities in the United States, speaking Spanish opens up countless opportunities for travel, work, and connection.
French is spoken across Europe, Africa, Canada, and other regions, but its presence is generally more concentrated than Spanish. If you’re looking for a language that will help you communicate with more people in more places, Spanish is the clear winner.
In the workplace, Spanish is increasingly valuable. It’s a key asset in industries like tourism, business, healthcare, education, and international relations. Whether you’re working in Europe or the Americas, knowing Spanish can boost your CV and expand your career prospects.
When it comes to the debate of whether you should learn French or Spanish, it’s actually possible to choose both. As mentioned above, there are many similarities between the two languages and this can help with learning both French and Spanish in tandem.
That said, the differences (especially in pronunciation and spelling) are significant enough that learners can usually avoid confusion when studying both. Spanish is more phonetic and regular, while French involves more exceptions and pronunciation rules that require extra effort.
For most learners, starting with Spanish is the smarter choice. Its simpler structure and global usefulness make it easier to build confidence and real-world communication skills quickly. Once you have a solid foundation in Spanish, picking up French later can feel more manageable, and you’ll already be familiar with many core grammar concepts.
To sum up, Spanish is generally easier to learn than French, especially for English speakers. Its phonetic pronunciation, consistent spelling rules, and simpler grammar make it a more accessible option for beginners. French, while rich and rewarding, comes with more irregularities and pronunciation challenges that can slow down early progress.
If your goal is to learn a language efficiently, enjoy real-world conversations sooner, and access more global opportunities, Spanish is the clear winner, both in terms of ease and usefulness.
Choosing to learn Spanish is more than just picking an easier language — it’s opening the door to a global community, exciting travel opportunities, and valuable professional connections. With its clear pronunciation, practical grammar and worldwide reach, Spanish is one of the most useful and rewarding languages you can learn today.
If you’re ready to take the first step, join us at IH Madrid. Whether you prefer in-person learning in Spain’s vibrant capital with Spanish courses in Madrid or flexible online Spanish classes, we have something to suit your goals. We’ll help you build a strong foundation and start speaking Spanish with confidence. Plus, we offer excellent accommodation in Madrid to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
