Spanish is the language Americans are most interested in learning, according to new research analysing online search trends across the US.
Language experts at LTL Language School examined the average monthly search volume in the US for terms related to learning more than 80 different languages, including searches for “learn Spanish” and “French classes”. The monthly search volumes for these terms were combined to rank the languages attracting the greatest interest from Americans.
Spanish leads by a wide margin
Spanish emerged as the clear leader, generating 73,140 average monthly searches, a figure more than 60% higher than the volume recorded for the second-placed language. The full top 10 ranking is as follows
| Rank | Language | Monthly search volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spanish | 73,140 |
| 2 | English | 42,000 |
| 3 | Japanese | 30,280 |
| 4 | Korean | 27,960 |
| 5 | French | 27,520 |
| 6 | Italian | 16,620 |
| 7 | Chinese | 13,760 |
| 8 | German | 13,100 |
| 9 | Russian | 12,210 |
| 10 | Arabic | 9,930 |
Spanish’s strong position aligns with its established presence in American society. Data from Statista shows that nearly 45 million people in the US spoke Spanish at home in 2024, making it by far the most widely spoken non-English language in the country, and the US ranks among the largest Spanish-speaking nations in the world by number of speakers.
Max Hobbs, Marketing Director at LTL Language School, commented on the findings: “Modern language learning has evolved far beyond the traditional classroom, with so many people across the state searching for online alternatives. Spanish taking first place is unsurprising given how widely it is spoken across the US, and the presence of so many European and Asian languages in the ranking is likely fuelled by travel and global media.”
Hobbs added: “People aren’t just learning a new language to improve their resumes; they are using it to connect with cultures they are passionate about. Whether they are planning a trip, watching international TV shows, or simply wanting to chat with their neighbours, these search trends show that when people decide to pick up a new language today, they are looking for practical, flexible ways to do it.”
The prominence of Japanese and Korean points to the continuing influence of popular culture. Japanese media such as anime and manga, along with Korean music, television dramas, and films, have built substantial audiences in the US in recent years, and these cultural exports appear to encourage interest in studying the languages themselves. European languages including French, Italian, and German retain steady appeal, often linked to travel, heritage, or professional opportunities.
English’s second-place ranking is notable in a predominantly English-speaking country, suggesting sustained demand among residents seeking to improve proficiency for academic, professional, or integration purposes. Chinese, Russian, and Arabic round out the top 10, indicating interest in languages connected to major global economies, international relations, and diverse communities within the US.
The research underscores how digital tools have transformed language learning. Online searches for classes, courses, and resources now provide a clear signal of public interest that extends well beyond traditional classroom enrolment figures.
While Spanish leads by a significant margin, the strong showings of Asian and European languages demonstrate that learners are motivated by a mix of local practicality, cultural passion, and global connectivity, offering a snapshot of how search behaviour reflects changing attitudes towards multilingual skills in contemporary society.