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Learned Arabic? Learn this next

Best language to learn after Arabic

Arabic gives you a root-and-pattern system, a right-to-left script and sounds that most learners find hard, which makes several other languages easier to enter.

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Updated · by the 4ToSpeak team

5 languages to learn after Arabic, ranked

  1. 1. Persian

    Some carries over

    Written in the Arabic script and full of Arabic loanwords, with much simpler grammar.

    Harder for English speakers · about 1,100 hours

    Learn Persian · How long it takes

  2. 2. Hebrew

    Some carries over

    A related Semitic language with a similar root system and many shared patterns.

    Harder for English speakers · about 1,100 hours

    Learn Hebrew · How long it takes

  3. 3. Urdu

    Some carries over

    Uses an Arabic-based script and many Arabic and Persian words.

    Harder for English speakers · about 1,100 hours

    Learn Urdu · How long it takes

  4. 4. Turkish

    A little carries over

    Not related, but a large amount of vocabulary was borrowed from Arabic.

    Harder for English speakers · about 1,100 hours

    Learn Turkish · How long it takes

  5. 5. Swahili

    A little carries over

    Not related, but it has many Arabic loanwords.

    Moderate for English speakers · about 900 hours

    Learn Swahili · How long it takes

“Carries over” is a guide to how much vocabulary, grammar and sound you will recognise, not a measurement. Hours are for a native English speaker starting from zero; your head start will shorten them.

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FAQ

Questions, answered

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What is the best language to learn after Arabic?

After Arabic, the best language to learn next is Persian. Written in the Arabic script and full of Arabic loanwords, with much simpler grammar. Hebrew is the next best choice.

Which language is easiest to learn after Arabic?

Persian is the easiest next step, with "some" carrying over. Based on difficulty bands for English speakers, it takes about 1,100 hours, and you start ahead because of Arabic.

Should I master Arabic before starting another language?

You do not need to master it. A comfortable conversational level (the point where you can hold a short chat without panic) is enough. Starting a similar language too early can blur the two together, so build a solid base first.

Can I learn Arabic and Persian at the same time?

You can, but similar languages are easy to mix up. Most learners do better getting Arabic to a comfortable level and then adding Persian, which will feel much faster than starting from scratch.

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