What Are the Most Spoken Languages in the World?

With around 7,000 languages spoken across the globe, you might wonder which ones are used the most. While many are spoken by small communities, a few languages are used by millions—and even billions—of people. Understanding which languages are most common can help you decide which one to learn next!

Here are some of the world’s most spoken languages, based on a 2019 report by Statista.

English

English is the most spoken language in the world when counting both native and second-language speakers. Over 1.2 billion people speak it, and it’s used in 67 countries as an official language. Even though the United States has no official language, English is clearly dominant. Many people around the world learn English for school, travel, and business, making it a truly global language.

Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin is the most spoken language by native speakers. About 70% of all Chinese speakers speak Mandarin. Since China has the largest population in the world, this language is widely used in Asia and becoming more popular globally due to business and cultural interest. Learning Mandarin can open doors to a growing number of opportunities.

Hindi

Spoken mostly in India, the world’s second most populous country, Hindi is one of India’s two official languages, alongside English. It belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and includes many regional dialects. Because of India’s size and diversity, Hindi is an important language for communication across regions.

Spanish

Spanish is spoken in 20 countries, primarily across Latin America and Spain. It’s one of the most studied languages in the world—especially in the United States, where it’s often taught in schools. Spanish is a Romance language, meaning it shares roots with Italian, French, and Portuguese, which can make it easier to learn if you know one of those.

French

French is known as the “language of love” and is spoken widely in Europe, Canada, and Africa. It is the second most popular Romance language after Spanish. French has deep cultural and historical influence and is expected to grow even more. Some studies predict it could become the world’s most spoken language by 2050 due to population trends in French-speaking countries.

Portuguese

Portuguese is spoken in several countries, especially in South America, Europe, and Africa. Brazil is home to the largest number of Portuguese speakers. It is also the official language in Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique. As a Romance language, Portuguese shares similarities with Spanish, Italian, and French, which makes it easier for learners who already know one of those.

How Dinolingo Helps with Language Learning

Dinolingo makes learning these popular world languages fun and easy for kids ages 2 to 14. With over 50 language options, including English, Spanish, French, Mandarin, Hindi, and Portuguese, children can explore different parts of the world from home. The platform offers interactive lessons, games, songs, videos, and printable materials. One subscription allows up to six users and works on web, iOS, and Android. The parent dashboard, offline content, and gamified rewards make language learning enjoyable and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Choosing to learn one of the world’s most spoken languages can be a great investment in your child’s future. Whether it’s for travel, school, or staying connected to your family’s roots, speaking another language builds confidence and opens up a world of opportunities. With the right tools and a little daily practice, kids can start their journey toward bilingualism today.