There is no single answer to what is the hardest language to learn because difficulty is subjective.
The feeling of “hardness” depends on your native language, exposure, and learning experience.
However, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) ranking is often used as a reliable starting point.
FSI classifies languages based on the number of study hours English speakers typically need to reach proficiency.
Factors That Determine a Language's Difficulty
Several key factors influence how hard a language feels to learn.
These elements work together and affect learners differently.
Grammar Complexity
Languages with many verb conjugations, cases, or gender rules require more memorization and accuracy.
When grammar rules have frequent exceptions, learners often struggle to apply them consistently.
Alphabet / Writing System
Complex and tricky words and a new writing system, such as characters or non-Latin scripts, adds an extra learning layer.
Learners must first decode the script before they can even begin reading fluently.
Pronunciation & Phonetics
Some languages are hard to pronounce because they use sounds that don’t exist in English.
Tone-based or pitch-sensitive languages also demand precise pronunciation to avoid changing meaning.
Cultural Context
Languages are deeply connected to culture, values, and social norms.
Idioms, honorifics, and indirect expressions can be confusing without cultural understanding.
Availability of Learning Resources
Languages with fewer textbooks, apps, teachers, or online materials are harder to study independently.
Limited exposure slows progress and reduces practice opportunities.
Distance from Your Native Language
The further a language is from your first language linguistically, the more unfamiliar its structure will feel.
Similar languages share patterns, vocabulary, or grammar that make learning faster.
The Most Difficult Languages to Learn (FSI Category 5)
According to the FSI, Category 5 languages are the hardest for native English speakers and require the most study hours to master.
These languages include Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
They differ greatly from English in grammar, writing systems, pronunciation, and cultural structure.
Learners must adapt to entirely new ways of expressing meaning, which significantly increases learning time.
Language with a Very Different Linguistic and Culture Differences from English (FSI Category 4)
FSI Category 4 languages are slightly less demanding than Category 5 but still considered very challenging for English speakers.
Examples include Hungarian, Finnish, Polish, Czech, and other Slavic or Uralic languages.
These languages often have complex grammar systems and unfamiliar sentence structures.
The cultural context that is deeply embedded in everyday communication also makes these languages difficult to learn without guidance.
What Actually Makes Learning a Language Easier
The Benefit of Immersion
Regular exposure through listening, speaking, and reading accelerates learning.
Immersion helps learners internalize patterns naturally instead of translating word by word.
Learning Other Languages Helps You Adapt
Multilingual learners develop stronger pattern recognition and flexibility.
Each new language becomes easier because the brain learns how to learn languages.
Abundance of Learning Materials
Languages with movies, podcasts, apps, and online courses are easier to practice daily.
Consistent exposure reinforces vocabulary and grammar without formal study fatigue.
Strategies to Overcome Difficult Languages (Tips)
Try to be consistent because consistency is more important than intensity.
Short daily exercises are more effective than long sessions that are rarely done.
You can also break down complex grammar or writing systems into smaller parts.
This makes writing easier to understand and makes the learning process less daunting.
Talking with native speakers also helps build confidence and understanding in real-life situations.
You can find all of this at EZClass, where the programs can support your learning process.
EZClass provides structured lessons, content tailored to your skill level, and targeted exercises designed to simplify even difficult languages.
Conclusion
The hardest language to learn depends on the learner, not just the language itself.
Factors like linguistic distance, resources, and learning strategies matter more than rankings alone.
With the right approach, consistency, and support–such as structured programs from EZclass–even the most challenging languages become achievable.
Start choosing the right learning path today with EZClass and access more learning resources on the EZClass blog.
