If your goal is a career, studies, IT, and global travel, start with English: it's the #1 global language. If you want quick results and a language for pleasure, choose Spanish: it's easier to read and pronounce for Russian speakers. For most, the optimal path is to learn English first up to B1–B2, then Spanish: a second language is acquired 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 – yet boasts a huge number of native speakers.
Where These Languages Are Spoken: Global Reach
What's 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 similar to Russian ones. In English, spelling and pronunciation often diverge (through, though, tough), which means reading and listening comprehension develop more slowly.
However, English has simpler grammar: no grammatical gender, fewer verb forms. In Spanish, there's a developed system of conjugations and noun genders that you'll need to learn. So, 'ease' depends on the stage: Spanish starts faster, English progresses more steadily.
Where You'll Find More Benefit
In terms of practical benefit, English is far ahead: it's the language of international business, science, IT, aviation, and the internet – without it, it's challenging in a career, studies, and the global job market. Spanish offers different value – travel across Spain and Latin America, working with the Latin American market, music, TV series, and culture. For a CV in Russia and the EU, English is almost mandatory, while Spanish is a strong added advantage.
Which to Learn First?
Most people should start with English: it's more essential and encountered daily. Once you reach B1–B2, move on to Spanish – a second foreign language comes 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 only justified if Spanish is needed right now – for relocation, work, or family from a Spanish-speaking country.
English vs. Spanish: Comparison Table
| Criterion | English | Spanish |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Pronunciation | Harder (spelling ≠ sound) | Easier (almost phonetic) |
| Grammar | Simpler (no gender, fewer forms) | Harder (conjugations, gender) |
| Native & Total Speakers | ~1.5 billion (1st globally) | ~500 million (2nd by native speakers) |
| Career / IT Benefit | Critical | Plus, Advantage |
| Travel | Worldwide | Spain + Latin America |
| Speed of Initial Results | Medium | Fast |
| Available Practice Content | Maximum (films, internet) | Plenty, but less |
Which to Choose for Your Goal
EN Choose English if…
You need it for work, IT, international studies, and worldwide travel; you want one language that 'opens everything up'; you're ready to invest in pronunciation.
ES Choose Spanish if…
You want quick, tangible progress and motivation; you're traveling or relocating to Spain / Latin America; you love Spanish music and TV series.
If you're unsure, start with English until you reach a confident B1–B2 level, then add Spanish: the foundation from your first foreign language significantly speeds up learning the second. And memorizing words in both languages is convenient with flashcards featuring live examples, audio, and spaced repetition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's easier for a Russian speaker – English or Spanish? ▾
Which language is more beneficial to learn first? ▾
Can you learn English and Spanish simultaneously? ▾
How long does it take to become conversational? ▾
Is Spanish similar to English? ▾
Which countries speak Spanish? ▾
Learn Words in Context – in Both Languages
Flashcards with example sentences, audio, and smart repetition. Start for free.