Spanish vs. French: Which is Better?

If you’re choosing between learning French vs. Spanish language ahead of an upcoming study abroad adventure, first, excellent choice to consider learning a new language. Second, follow along with us as we provide additional details about these exciting languages and what you can expect while on program!  

Read More: 10 Best Foreign Language Programs 

Spanish vs. French: Quick Overview  

When learning Spanish vs. French language, it’s best to start with some basic facts about these two lovely languages! With Latin origins, Spanish and French are considered Romance languages, meaning they’re derived from a group of related languages initially from Vulgar Latin within similar historical timeframes. Pretty interesting, right? Both languages have some striking similarities.  

Worldwide, approximately 500 million people speak Spanish, and around 300 million people speak French. When it comes to French vs. Spanish, much of the world communicates in both languages!  

Spanish is the official language of more than 20 countries, including:  

• Spain  
• Mexico 
• Costa Rica 
• El Salvador 
• Guatemala 
• Honduras 
• Nicaragua  
• Panama 
• Cuba 
• Dominican Republic 
• Puerto Rico 
• Argentina  
• Bolivia 
• Chile 
• Colombia 
• Ecuador 
• Paraguay 
• Peru 
• Uruguay 
• Venezuela  
• Equatorial Guinea  

In addition to these countries where Spanish is the official language, there are many other countries where Spanish is commonly used, including the United States, where more than 40 million people speak it, making it the second most spoken language after English.  

French is also a popular official language in countries across the globe, including:  

• Belgium 
• Cameroon 
• Madagascar  
• Luxembourg 
• Chad 
• Senegal 
• Monaco 
• Canada 
• Ivory Coast 
• Democratic Republic of the Congo 
• Burkina Faso 
• Burundi  
• Djibouti  
• Switzerland  
• Niger  
• Haiti  
• Benin 
• France 
• Guinea 
• Mali 
• Gabon 
• Central African Republic 
• Rwanda  
• Algeria  

Keep in mind that in some of these countries, French and Spanish are one of many official languages. For example, Arabic and Tamazight also rank as official languages in Algeria.  

It’s important to mention that colonialism, a complicated and troubling part of our global history, plays a significant role in why these languages are so commonly used in many other countries. During a CIEE Study Abroad program, you’ll learn more about these complexities (in addition to more interesting facts about French vs. Spanish).   

Common Spanish vs. French Phrases  

Take note of some everyday French vs. Spanish phrases before you jet off on your study abroad trip. Plus, these are just helpful sayings to remember as you navigate a new city and meet new people!  

Spanish  

• “Hola, ¿comó está?” meaning “Hello, how are you?” 
• “Buenos días” and “Buenas tardes” meaning “good morning” and “good afternoon”  
• “¿Comó te llamas?” meaning “What is your name?” 
• “Por favor” and “gracias” meaning “please” and “thank you”  
• “¿Dónde está el baño?” meaning “Where is the bathroom?”  
• “¿Puede ayudarme?” meaning “Can you help me?”  

Read More: Top 10 Spanish Slang Words and Phrases You Need to Know  

French  

• “Bonjour, comment allez-vous?” meaning “Hello, how are you?”  
• “Merci” and “pas de quoi” meaning “thank you” and “you’re welcome”  
• “Comment vous appelez-vous?” meaning, “What is your name?”  
• “Ou sont les toilettes?” meaning “Where is the bathroom?”  
• “Je voudrais…” meaning “I would like…”  

Read More: Top 20 French Slang Words and Phrases You Must Know  

Don’t worry when reviewing these Spanish vs. French words – you’ll get the hang of these phrases during your study abroad program, where you’ll be right alongside locals speaking the languages and taking classes to help you perfect your usage!  

Is Spanish or French Better to Learn?  

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to learning Spanish vs. French; both are beautiful languages spoken worldwide.   

Consider your goals when it comes to learning a new language – maybe you have your sights set on a career where knowing Spanish would be more beneficial, or perhaps you have family that speaks French, and you’d love to better communicate with them. Whatever your reasons are, learning either language will be a fun and challenging feat!  

How Long Does It Take to Learn Spanish vs. French?  

Another factor to consider when choosing between French vs. Spanish is the level of difficulty learning either language as a native English speaker and, really, how long it might take you to become proficient. Language proficiency is defined as one’s ability to use language in a spontaneous, unrehearsed context at any given time – a.k.a. being able to strike up and hold a conversation in another language.  

According to the U.S. Department of State, both Spanish and French are considered Category I Languages, meaning they’re similar to English and are the easiest secondary languages for native English speakers to learn. Experts estimate it takes approximately 600-750 class hours to become proficient in either language. Again, Spanish vs. French have lots of similarities!  

Where Can I Learn Spanish with CIEE?  

You can learn Spanish with CIEE in several different (and fantastic) locations! Each of our study abroad programs in Spanish-speaking countries offers an incredible look at diverse cultures and histories, picturesque architecture, and natural wonders that seem otherworldly. Your Spanish language courses and fascinating excursions will make your Spanish-focused study abroad program a dream come true!  

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Spain  

Check out some of our country programs and Spanish language immersion options below.  

Spain, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina, Chile  

Our Spanish language immersion programs, which range in proficiency levels across several different countries, are a unique way to fully engage with a local Spanish-speaking culture and take more advanced language courses to really hone your language learning skills. And heads up, there are a ton of options! We recommend narrowing your search by selecting your top one or two Spanish-speaking countries first.  

• Summer Global Internships Language Immersion in Barcelona, Spain  
• Summer Global Internship Language Immersion in Seville, Spain 
• Summer Intensive Spanish Language in Alicante, Spain  
• Liberal Arts in Madrid, Spain 
• Liberal Arts in Barcelona, Spain   
• Advanced Liberal Arts in Barcelona, Spain 
• Business + Culture in Barcelona, Spain 
• Advanced Liberal Arts in Seville, Spain 
• Communications, New Media + Journalism Spanish in Seville, Spain  
• Business + Society in Seville, Spain  
• Liberal Arts in Seville, Spain  
• Liberal Arts in Alicante, Spain   
• Summer Intensive Spanish Language in Buenos Aires, Argentina 
• Summer Community Public Health in Buenos Aires, Argentina  
• Liberal Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina 
• Summer Community Public Health in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic  

Where Can I Learn French with CIEE?  

Learning French with CIEE will take you to iconic France! Spanning three incredible French cities, including Paris, Rennes, and Toulouse, your France study abroad program will have you living like a French local while learning all about the country’s illustrious history, culture, and more.  

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in France  

France

Ahh ... France. Packed with out-of-this-world cuisine, fashion, fairytale architecture, and countless museums, you’ll stay busy in this beautiful country. Plus, you’ll get to learn French while doing it all! Please take note of our French immersion programs below, where you’ll absorb the local language while taking various language courses to help you refine your language skills and learn the fascinating history of this Romance language.  

• Liberal Arts in Paris, France 
• Summer Intensive French Language in Rennes, France  
• Liberal Arts in Rennes, France   

Read More: Top 4 Places to Study French Abroad 

Spanish vs. French: What’ll it Be? 

As you can see, you have many different options when it comes to learning Spanish vs. French with CIEE. What better time to dive into a new language and exciting new culture than now? Start exploring!  

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