If your goal is career, studies, IT, and traveling the world, start with English: it's the global language #1. If you want quick results and a language for pleasure — choose Spanish: it's easier to read and pronounce for Russian speakers. The optimal choice for most is English first up to B1–B2, then Spanish: the second language is learned faster.
Both languages are global, but in different ways: English is widespread almost everywhere as a language of international communication, while Spanish is concentrated in Spain and Latin America — but with a huge number of native speakers.
Where these languages are spoken: global reach
Which is easier for a Russian speaker to learn?
Initially, Spanish is usually easier: it's almost phonetic — words are read as they are written, and vowels are close to Russian ones. In English, spelling and pronunciation often diverge (through, though, tough), so reading and listening take longer.
But English has simpler grammar: no grammatical gender, fewer verb forms. Spanish has a developed system of conjugations and noun genders, which you'll have to learn. So, "ease" depends on the stage: Spanish starts faster, English progresses more steadily.
Where is it more useful
In terms of practical usefulness, English is far ahead: it's the language of international business, science, IT, aviation, and the internet — without it, it's difficult in your career, studies, and on the global job market. Spanish is valued differently — for travel in Spain and Latin America, working with the Latin American market, music, TV shows, and culture. For a resume in Russia and the EU, English is almost mandatory, while Spanish is a strong advantage on top of that.
What to learn first?
Most people should start with English: it's more needed and encountered daily. Once you reach level B1–B2, move on to Spanish — the second foreign language is learned noticeably easier: you've already developed the habit of learning, and Spanish has a lot of international vocabulary familiar from English (information → información, problem → problema). The reverse order is justified only if you need Spanish right now — for moving, work, or if you have loved ones from a Spanish-speaking country.
English vs. Spanish: comparison table
| Criterion | English | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and pronunciation | More difficult (spelling ≠ sound) | Easier (almost phonetic) |
| Grammar | Simpler (no gender, few forms) | More difficult (conjugations, gender) |
| Native and total speakers | ~1.5 billion (1st in the world) | ~500 million (2nd by native speakers) |
| Usefulness for career / IT | Critical | Plus, advantage |
| Travel | All over the world | Spain + Latin America |
| Speed of initial results | Medium | Fast |
| Practice content around | Maximum (movies, internet) | A lot, but less |
Which to choose for your goal
EN Choose English if…
You need it for work, IT, international studies, and travel worldwide; you want one language that “opens everything”; you are willing to invest in pronunciation.
ES Choose Spanish if…
You want fast tangible progress and motivation; you are going to or moving to Spain / Latin America; you love music and TV shows in Spanish.
If you're unsure — start with English until you're confident at B1–B2, and then add Spanish: the foundation from the first foreign language greatly speeds up the second. And memorizing words in both languages is convenient on flashcards with live examples, audio, and spaced repetition.
Frequently asked questions
Which is easier for a Russian speaker — English or Spanish? ▾
Which language is more useful to learn first? ▾
Can I learn English and Spanish at the same time? ▾
How long does it take to become fluent? ▾
Is Spanish similar to English? ▾
In which countries is Spanish spoken? ▾
Learn words in context — in both languages
Flashcards with example sentences, audio, and smart repetition. Start for free.