Top 10 Most Spoken Languages in the World 2023

English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with over a billion and a half speakers worldwide. Let's take a look at the world's top ten most spoken languages.

Sep 19, 2023, 17:45 IST
Here are the most spoken languages in the world!
Here are the most spoken languages in the world!

Communication is the basic block of human interaction, and language serves as the primary tool for this purpose. Without language, none of what we have today would be possible. There are over 700 languages in the world, so it can be hard to determine the most spoken languages. However, Statista Research Department has conducted a comprehensive study to determine the most widely spoken languages globally. Their research takes into account factors such as native speakers, second-language speakers, and overall language proficiency. 

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Top 10 Spoken Languages 2023

These are the 10 most spoken languages in the world:

1. English - 1.42 billion 

2. Mandarin Chinese - 1.38 billion

3. Hindi - 662 million

4. Spanish - 559 million

5. French - 309 million

6. Arabic (Standard) - 274 million

7. Bengali - 272 million 

8. Portuguese - 263 million

9. Russian - 245 million

10. Urdu - 231 million

Which is the most spoken language in the world 2023?

With over a billion speakers, English is the most widely spoken language in the world in 2023. 

Most Spoken Languages in the World 2023

1. English 

With over 1.5 billion speakers, English is the most spoken language in the world. In fact, it is the official language of 67 countries and 27 non-sovereign entities as well. 

The majority of English speakers do not have English as their native language, rather they speak it as a second language. 

 

2. Mandarin Chinese

The population is a major factor in this ranking. China is the world's second most populous country, and Mandarin has been its official language since the 1930s, making it the world's second most spoken language. While there are other widely spoken dialects like Cantonese, and Huanese, more than 70% of the Chinese population speaks Mandarin

 

3. Hindi

As mentioned above, population is a huge driving factor behind the ranking of these languages. The majority of the population in the most populous country in the world, speaks Hindi. India is the only country in this list with 22 officially recognised languages. While there is no national language in India, there are two official languages- Hindi and English. 

 

4. Spanish

Over 500 million people around the globe, speak Spanish. It is the official language of 20 countries and one dependent territory. It is the national language of Spain. 

 

5. French

With around 309 speakers, French is the 5th most spoken language in the world. It is recognized as the official language of 29 countries. There are other countries where French is spoken unofficially. 

 

6. Arabic (Standard)

Although Arabic is the official language of 26 nations, many countries and areas have their own dialect. Standard Arabic is the most often spoken accent among Arabs. 

 

7. Bengali

Bengali is one of the officially recognised and widely spoken languages in India. It is also the national language of Bangladesh. With over 272 million speakers, it is the 7th most widely spoken language in the world. 

 

8. Portuguese 

Portuguese has over 263 million speakers globally. It is the official language of nine countries and is spoken in many other regions as well. 

 

9. Russian 

With over 245 million speakers worldwide, Russian is primarily spoken in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as it is the national language of the aforementioned countries.

 

10. Urdu 

Urdu occupies the 10th spot in the rankings of the most spoken languages in the world. It is the official state language of Pakistan and is also used in India. Around 231 million people in the world speak Urdu. 

 

Saumya
Saumya

Executive

I hold a degree in Public Relations and Media, and my experience has been cultivated through immersive internships, allowing me to refine my communication strategies and engage effectively with diverse audiences. This practical exposure has honed my ability to tailor content for captivating storytelling. Proficient in English, I bring a meticulous approach to crafting impactful narratives that resonate with readers. At Josh, I cover the General Knowledge (GK) section, where I write on a diverse range of beats, ranging from science and sports to economics. In content creation, I try to do my best at offering new viewpoints in every project. Whether its explaining complex scientific ideas, examining sports trends, or exploring economic details, my primary gal is to inform, inspire, and engage readers. The challenges of content creation drive me to continually push my boundaries. Each new project is an opportunity to explore uncharted territories and refine my craft. This dedication to growth keeps me attuned to the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring that my work remains relevant and impactful. In a world that values effective communication, I am committed to contributing my expertise. With a solid educational background, practical experience, and a passion for creating engaging and informative content, I am excited to embrace new opportunities that allow me to make meaningful contributions to the world of knowledge-sharing.

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FAQs

  • What is the #1 used language in the world?
    +
    English is the most used language in the world. It has over 1.4 billion speakers in the world.
  • What is the top 5 language in the world?
    +
    English, Chinese Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish, and French are the top 5 most spoken languages in the world.

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