StoryLearning Podcast 506: Spanish vs Italian - which is easier to learn?
Nov 5, 2025
Discover the debate on whether Spanish or Italian is easier for English speakers. Learn how motivation plays a crucial role in mastering these languages. Hear tips on reaching B2 fluency in just six months with intensive study. Find out how knowing one Romance language can simplify learning another, and explore the importance of cognates and pronunciation. Plus, Olly introduces his unique 'pub test' for assessing fluency in real-life conversations. Tune in for practical advice on conquering grammar and enhancing listening skills!
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Romance Languages Benefit From English Similarity
- Spanish and Italian are relatively easy for English speakers because they share linguistic distance and cognates.
- This similarity speeds learning especially at advanced levels where Latin-based vocabulary overlaps with English.
Use B2 And A 3-Hour Daily Plan
- Study about three hours a day to reach B2 in roughly six months for either Spanish or Italian.
- Use B2 as your practical fluency benchmark for holding everyday conversations and friendships.
Learning Spanish First Made Italian Easier
- Olly learned Spanish first, then found Italian much easier because Spanish gave him grammatical and lexical foundations.
- Prior knowledge of one Romance language significantly lowers the effort to learn another.