Language
Fact-checked

At LanguageHumanities, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Spanish?

Brendan McGuigan
Brendan McGuigan

Spanish is a Romance language spoken throughout the world by more than 400 million people — over 350 million of them as native speakers. Depending on the reckoning, it is between the 2nd and 4th most spoken language on Earth, and it is without a doubt the most spoken of the Romance languages. In Spanish, the term for the language is either español or castellano, depending on the area in question. In English, the term Castilian is also sometimes used to refer to the language, but this usage is much less common. Castilian may also be used as a term to describe the dialect spoken in the Castile region of Spain.

This language is mutually intelligible with a number of other Iberian Romance languages, most notably Portuguese. In general, a Portuguese speaker will have an easier time understanding Spanish than will a Spanish speaker listening to Portuguese, but for both, comprehension should be possible. To non-speakers, the languages often sound like the same tongue — perhaps just different dialects — but the differences are readily apparent upon closer examination. Spanish also shares enough common language with Italian — another Romance language — to allow a fair degree of inter-communication. Though by no means allowing for a free understanding or speaking of the other tongue, many Spanish speakers find that if an Italian speaker talks slowly enough and avoids slang, most of the content of speech can be pieced together.

The flag of Spain.
The flag of Spain.

Like the other popular Romance languages — Portuguese, French, and Italian — most English speakers find Spanish is relatively easy to learn. English itself draws on enough Latin vocabulary and grammar that Spanish is littered with cognates that aid in early language acquisition. The sounds used are also fairly familiar to English speakers — with the possible exception of the rolled and tapped ‘r’ sounds — so there is a surmountable learning curve in pronunciation.

Many Spaniards settled in New Mexico.
Many Spaniards settled in New Mexico.

Spanish is an official language of the majority of countries in Central and South America, including Argentina, Columbia, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It is also the official language of the island nations of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. It is an operating language of both the European Union and the United Nations. The language is widely spoken in the United States and is an official language in the state of New Mexico. Alongside Arabic, it is one of the official languages of the African nation of Western Sahara. It is, of course, also one of the official languages of Spain.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico.
Spanish is the official language of Mexico.

As a language, Spanish is a major force in the United States, where it is spoken by more than 30 million people, making the United States the fifth ranking nation of speakers of this language, behind only Argentina, Spain, Columbia, and Mexico. Because of the steady immigration between countries where it is spoken and the United States, the language has a steady place in the culture of the US, and many non-native speakers find learning the language extremely helpful in business and social situations.

Discussion Comments

Penzance356

My father ran an English-Spanish translation business for a number of years, so I grew up with a love for this language.

One thing I really like about Spanish is that it is a largely phonetic language. As I am good at spelling I got a head start in speaking with a good accent.

The thing that tripped me up the most was the gendering of nouns, which of course we don't have in English. When I tried to learn French as a teenager I quit because once again the male-female noun classification was an issue.

Windchime

@MissMuffet - I studied Spanish in grade school and really hated the lesson structure and approach. It wasn't until I moved to Mexico for a while that I really got comfortable with it.

If you can study abroad that's the best option. As there are so many countries using it as their first language you're spoiled for choice. If you want to take a class locally try to find out if the teacher uses modern teaching methods, as you need a lot of opportunity to actually speak.

For home study, buy a good Spanish dictionary, preferably one with a voice so you can hear the pronunciation of words properly from the start.

MissMuffet

I think learning Spanish is something that will help me in the future, for both work and travel opportunities.

I've never really had much success at learning languages in the past, so am wondering, would it be better to study Spanish by taking lessons or try to teach myself at home?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The flag of Spain.
      By: Bracknell
      The flag of Spain.
    • Many Spaniards settled in New Mexico.
      By: bonniemarie
      Many Spaniards settled in New Mexico.
    • Spanish is the official language of Mexico.
      By: Stocksnapper
      Spanish is the official language of Mexico.
    • Spanish is the most commonly spoken Romance language.
      By: Peter Hermes Furian
      Spanish is the most commonly spoken Romance language.
    • Spanish is the official language of the U.S. territory Puerto Rico.
      By: Speedfighter
      Spanish is the official language of the U.S. territory Puerto Rico.
    • Spanish is the official language in Argentina.
      By: jkraft5
      Spanish is the official language in Argentina.
    • Spanish is the official language of most of the South American nations.
      By: Iryna Volina
      Spanish is the official language of most of the South American nations.
    • Spanish is the official language of Cuba, the northernmost island in the West Indies.
      By: Aleksandar Todorovic
      Spanish is the official language of Cuba, the northernmost island in the West Indies.