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Spanish and Italian: Two Romance Languages, Many Similarities

Both Spanish and Italian belong to the Romance language family, descending from Latin. This shared heritage means they have many similarities in vocabulary, grammar, and even pronunciation. For English speakers, both languages rank as relatively accessible according to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), which estimates around 600–750 hours of study to reach proficiency in either.

But let’s break it down further.

Vocabulary: Spanish Takes the Lead

Spanish has the advantage of being more globally widespread. With over 500 million native speakers, you’ll find Spanish in Spain, Latin America, the United States, and beyond. As a result, Spanish vocabulary is often reinforced through media, music, and everyday encounters.

Moreover, Spanish shares a high percentage of cognates with English, especially because both have borrowed from Latin and French over time. For instance:

• Spanish: importante
• Italian: importante
  (Okay, in this case, they’re the same — but you’ll find that Spanish words often feel more familiar thanks to frequent exposure!)

Pronunciation: Italian’s Musical Advantage

Italian is famous for its lyrical, rhythmic pronunciation. If you love the idea of speaking a language that sounds like a melody, Italian might win your heart. Italian pronunciation is also highly phonetic — words are pronounced as they are written, which is a huge advantage for beginners.

Spanish pronunciation varies by region. Castilian Spanish (from Spain) includes sounds like the “theta” (where c and z are pronounced like the English “th”), which can be tricky. Latin American Spanish, however, tends to be clearer and more straightforward for learners.

Grammar: A Close Contest

Both languages feature gendered nouns, verb conjugations, and similar sentence structures. However, many learners find Spanish grammar slightly simpler. Spanish has fewer irregular verbs compared to Italian, and its verb tenses are a bit more straightforward for beginners.

That said, if you’ve studied one Romance language before, you’ll find Italian and Spanish grammar rules feel like familiar territory.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

Spanish provides more opportunities for immersion simply because it’s spoken in more countries worldwide. From Mexico to Argentina, Spain to Colombia, you’ll find diverse cultures and accents to explore.

Italian, on the other hand, offers a deep dive into a single country brimming with history, art, and culinary delights. Learning Italian allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of Italian culture, from opera to pasta-making traditions.

So, Which Language is Easier to Learn?

Ultimately, the answer depends on your personal goals and interests:

• Choose Spanish if you want a globally useful language with broader opportunities for practice.
• Choose Italian if you’re captivated by Italian culture and enjoy a musical, phonetic language.

Whichever you choose, consistency and immersion are key to fluency.

The Fastest Way to Learn: Immerse Yourself in the Language

While apps and textbooks are helpful, the fastest way to learn any language is to take a language course in a country where the language is spoken. Living and learning among native speakers forces you to practice daily, absorb authentic pronunciation, and gain cultural insights that no app can offer. Whether you’re learning Spanish in Madrid or Italian in Florence, immersing yourself in the environment accelerates your learning journey like nothing else.

Ready to start your language adventure? Pack your bags and let the world be your classroom!

👉 Browse Spanish Language Courses in Spain

👉 Browse Italian Language Courses in Italy

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