Italian vs Spanish
Which should you learn?
Two of the easiest languages for English speakers (FSI Category I), and the closest major Romance pair — speakers can half-understand each other. Italian is arguably the most phonetic (you say it exactly as written); Spanish has the larger speaker base and more learning resources. Choose Italian for travel/art/food in Italy, Spanish for the broadest practical utility.
Side by side
| 🇮🇹 Italian | 🇪🇸 Spanish | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty (English speakers) | FSI Category I (~600-750h) | FSI Category I (~600-750h) |
| Pronunciation | Most phonetic | Near-phonetic |
| Speaker base | Mainly Italy | 20+ countries |
| Exam | CILS | DELE |
Pick Italian if…
Pick Italian for Italy travel, art/music/food, and the most "say-it-as-you-see-it" pronunciation.
Pick Spanish if…
Pick Spanish for the larger speaker base, more resources, and the most useful everyday Romance language.