Top 8 Hardest Languages to Learn and Make Money 2024

Learning a foreign language is not just a rewarding pursuit for personal growth; it can also open doors to lucrative career opportunities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 8 hardest languages to learn for English speakers, provide expert tips and resources for mastering them, and reveal how you can turn your language skills into a profitable venture.

Why focus on difficult languages?

First, the world’s most widely spoken languages are challenging to learn, and mastering them can significantly boost your market value.

Additionally, tackling a difficult language can significantly enhance your linguistic skills and set you apart in the job market.

The sense of accomplishment that comes with mastering a complex language is unparalleled, and the potential financial rewards can be substantial.

From translation and interpretation to international business and diplomacy, the demand for proficiency in these challenging languages is high.

By investing your time in learning one of these languages, you’re not just expanding your mind – you’re potentially unlocking a world of high-paying career opportunities.

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Earning Potential: How Much You Can Make by Learning Challenging Languages

Before we get into our list of the world’s hardest languages, let’s talk about something that might pique your interest – the earning potential of mastering these linguistic challenges.

You might be wondering, “Is all this effort going to pay off?”

Well, take a look at this table [1, 2] and judge for yourself:

Language	Average Rate (per word)	Potential Annual Earnings
Japanese	$0.20 – $0.30	$50,000 – $80,000
Mandarin Chinese	$0.15 – $0.25	$45,000 – $75,000
Hungarian	$0.12 – $0.20	$40,000 – $65,000
Turkish	$0.10 – $0.18	$35,000 – $60,000
Russian	$0.12 – $0.22	$40,000 – $70,000
Bulgarian	$0.10 – $0.18	$35,000 – $60,000
Vietnamese	$0.10 – $0.20	$35,000 – $65,000
Greek	$0.12 – $0.20	$40,000 – $65,000

Earning Potential: Turn Your Language Skills into a Lucrative Career

Impressive, right?

These figures represent real opportunities to transform your language skills into a rewarding career.

The translation and interpretation industry offers flexible, work-from-home options perfect for those juggling family responsibilities or valuing work-life balance.

For many, especially stay-at-home moms, freelance translation work has become a game-changer. It’s about maintaining professional skills and finding fulfillment while being there for your loved ones.

As you embark on mastering one of these challenging languages, remember – you’re not just learning a new skill, but potentially opening the door to a flexible, lucrative career that fits your lifestyle.

Ready to take on the challenge?

Let’s start exploring the top hardest languages to learn for English speakers and the best ways for you to learn them!

1. Japanese

Japanese Language - One Of The Most Challenging To Learn For English Speakers — Japanese Language – One of the most challenging to learn for English speakers

Japanese is an East Asian language spoken by approximately 128 million people, primarily in Japan.

It’s considered as the most challenging language to learn for English speakers due to its complex sentence structure, numerous kanji characters, and various dialects.

Best Resources to Learn Japanese

Matcha: Learn Japanese language, culture, and travel tips in one place.
Tofugu: Offers a structured and comprehensive approach to learning Japanese.
JapanesePod101: Extensive library of over 2000 Japanese language podcasts for all levels.

Money-Making Potential for the Japanese Language

Japan’s robust economy and global business presence create numerous opportunities for Japanese speakers. Translators, interpreters, and localization specialists are in high demand, especially in industries like technology, automotive, and finance.

2. Mandarin Chinese

Mandarin Chinese - Hardest Languages To Learn — Mandarin Chinese – Hardest Languages to Learn

With nearly 918 million native speakers and 199 million non-native speakers, Mandarin Chinese is not only one of the hardest languages to learn but also one of the most important.

It’s the official language in China, Taiwan, and Singapore, spoken by approximately 15% of the world’s population.

Best Resources to Learn Mandarin Chinese

Yoyo Chinese: Over 20 million lessons taught by professional teachers to 400,000+ students worldwide.
Chinese Voices: Authentic podcasts recorded by native Chinese speakers in Beijing.
The Chairman’s Bao: Offers graded news articles for Chinese reading practice at various levels.

Money-Making Potential for Mandarin Language

As China continues to be a global economic powerhouse, Mandarin speakers are highly sought after in international business, diplomacy, and trade. Opportunities abound in translation, interpretation, and cultural consulting.

3. Hungarian

Hungarian Language - Exceptionally Challenging To Learn For English Speakers — Hungarian Language – Exceptionally Challenging to Learn for English Speakers

Hungarian is a Uralic language spoken by about 13 million people, primarily in Hungary.

It’s renowned for its beautiful and creative vocabulary, with many words that don’t have direct English equivalents.

The language features 14 different vowels with subtle pronunciation differences, making it exceptionally challenging for English speakers.

Best Resources to Learn Hungarian

HungarianPod101: Comprehensive audio and video lessons focusing on the Hungarian language and pronunciation.
Glossika: Offers extensive listening and speaking practice for Hungarian learners.
Assimil Hungarian: Uses a unique method combining audiobooks in both native and target languages with corresponding texts.

Money-Making Potential for the Hungarian Language

While the market for Hungarian speakers may be smaller, it’s also less competitive. Opportunities exist in translation, localization, and cultural consulting, especially for businesses looking to expand into Central Europe.

4. Turkish

Turkish Language - A Significantly Challenging For English Speakers To Learn — Turkish Language – A Significantly Challenging for English Speakers to Learn

Turkish is the official language of Turkey and is also spoken in countries like Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Greece.

It’s known for its rich history and culture but presents significant challenges for English speakers due to its complex grammar and unique sentence structure.

Best Resources to Learn Turkish

TurkishClass101: Podcast-format language course with a focus on audio instruction and gradual introduction of Turkish phrases.
Preply: Offers one-on-one video chat lessons with native Turkish tutors for immersive learning.
uTalk: Focuses on teaching key phrases and commonly used Turkish words through interactive exercises.

Money-Making Potential for Turkish Language

Turkey’s strategic location between Europe and Asia makes Turkish speakers valuable in international trade, diplomacy, and tourism. Opportunities exist in translation, interpretation, and cultural consulting for businesses expanding into Turkey or working with Turkish companies.

5. Russian

Russian - A Difficult Language To Learn — Russian – A Difficult Language to Learn

Russian is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, with approximately 258 million speakers worldwide.

It’s the official language in four countries and is spoken in many parts of the former Soviet Union.

Russian presents significant challenges for English speakers due to its complex grammar, Cyrillic alphabet, and unique pronunciation.

Best Resources to Learn Russian

FluentU: Immersive language course using real-world videos to teach Russian in context.
Memrise: Offers six levels of Russian lessons, from basics to intermediate, with a focus on vocabulary and grammar.
Grammatica: Provides instant grammar analysis and pronunciation for any Russian text you input.

Money-Making Potential for the Russian Language

Russian speakers are in high demand in fields such as international relations, energy sector consulting, and cybersecurity. There are also opportunities for translation, interpretation, and teaching English to Russian speakers.

6. Bulgarian

Bulgarian Language - Hard For English Speakers To Master — Bulgarian Language – Hard for English Speakers to Master

Bulgarian is a Slavic language with around 8 million native speakers, primarily in Bulgaria.

It uses the Cyrillic alphabet and features complex vocabulary and grammar, making it one of the hardest languages for English speakers to master.

Best Resources to Learn Bulgarian

LingoHut: Offers 125 free Bulgarian lessons focusing on words and pronunciations.
Mondly: Provides practical topics and authentic conversations in bite-sized daily lessons.
BulgarianPod101: Audio-based lessons similar to podcasts, with additional features for reading practice.

Money-Making Potential for Bulgarian Language

While the market for Bulgarian speakers is smaller, it’s growing due to Bulgaria’s increasing role in the European Union. Opportunities exist in translation, localization, and business consulting for companies expanding into Eastern Europe.

7. Vietnamese

Vietnamese Language - Not Easy To Learn For English Speakers — Vietnamese Language – Not Easy to Learn for English Speakers

Vietnamese is the national language of Vietnam and the native language of approximately 76 million people.

It’s known for its tonal nature and complex pronunciation, which can be particularly challenging for English speakers.

Best Resources to Learn Vietnamese

123Vietnamese.com: Offers one-on-one Skype lessons for personalized Vietnamese language instruction.
Mango Languages: Subscription-based service that provides access to Vietnamese lessons along with other languages.
Colloquial Vietnamese: Comprehensive book with accompanying free online audio lessons for self-study.

Money-Making Potential for Bulgarian Language

As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow rapidly, Vietnamese speakers are increasingly in demand. Opportunities exist in international trade, tourism, and technology sectors, as well as in translation and interpretation services.

8. Greek

Greek Language - A Typical Language To Learn For English Speakers — Greek Language – A Typical Language to Learn for English Speakers

Greek is one of the oldest living languages in the Indo-European group, with a rich history dating back thousands of years.

Modern Greek is spoken by approximately 13 million people, primarily in Greece and Cyprus.

Its complex grammar, unique alphabet, and long linguistic history make it a challenging language to learn for English speakers.

Best Resources to Learn Greek

Language Transfer: Free, comprehensive Greek lessons using an innovative teaching methodology.
GreekPod101: Audio-based learning system with a focus on conversational Greek and cultural insights.
Duolingo: Gamified language learning platform offering a free Greek course with interactive exercises.

Money-Making Potential for Greek Language

Greek language skills can be valuable in fields such as archaeology, classical studies, and tourism. There are also opportunities in translation, particularly for technical and legal documents, as well as in the shipping industry where Greek companies play a significant role.

How to Make Money by Learning the Hardest Languages

Mastering one of the world’s hardest languages can open up numerous lucrative opportunities. Here are some ways to monetize your skills and maximize your earning potential:

Translation and Interpretation: Work with businesses, government agencies, or international organizations. Platforms like TranslatorsCafe and ProZ connect linguists with clients worldwide.
Online Language Tutoring: Teach through platforms like iTalki or VIPKid, setting your own rates and schedule.
Content Creation: Develop language learning content on YouTube, podcasts, or blogs. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, or by selling digital products.
Localization Services: Help businesses adapt their products for specific language markets using platforms like Gengo
Freelance Writing: Produce articles, blog posts, or marketing copy in your target language on platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.
Subtitling and Voice-Over Work: Provide services for movies, TV shows, or online videos. Platforms like Rev and Voices.com offer opportunities in this field.
Cultural Consulting: Offer expertise to businesses expanding into markets where your target language is spoken.

Here is how to maximize your earning potential by learning the hardest languages –

Specialize in a niche industry or field
Build a strong online presence and professional portfolio
Obtain official language proficiency certifications
Combine language skills with other expertise (e.g., law, medicine, engineering)
Stay updated with relevant technologies and industry trends
Offer package deals for your services
Attend language industry events and network with potential clients
Collaborate with other language professionals for larger projects

Remember, continuous improvement and staying current with industry developments are key to success in this field.

Interested in earning money online, read our recent guides to learn and earn more.

Additional Tips for Learning Difficult Languages

Start with the basics: Focus on foundational grammar and vocabulary before moving on to more complex concepts.
Use mnemonic devices: Create memory aids to help you remember challenging words or grammatical rules.
Practice active listening: Expose yourself to native speakers through podcasts, videos, or language exchange partners.
Write regularly: Keep a journal in your target language to practice writing skills and reinforce vocabulary.
Embrace the culture: Learn about the history, customs, and traditions associated with the language to deepen your understanding and motivation.
Set achievable milestones: Break your language learning journey into smaller, manageable goals to maintain motivation.
Use spaced repetition: Employ techniques like flashcards or apps that use spaced repetition to reinforce your learning.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: Remember that errors are a natural part of the learning process and can be valuable learning opportunities.

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge of the World’s Hardest Languages

Mastering any of these challenging languages discussed in this article presents a significant challenge for English speakers, but the rewards extend far beyond personal satisfaction.

These linguistic skills offer unique opportunities for career advancement and financial gain across various sectors, including lucrative work-from-home options perfect for women balancing career and family life.

When embarking on your language learning journey:

Choose resources that align with your learning style and goals
Maintain consistency in your practice
Set realistic goals and track your progress
Immerse yourself in the language through movies, music, and conversations with native speakers
Don’t fear making mistakes; they’re an essential part of the learning process

Remember, language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient and persistent, enjoying the journey of discovering a new language and culture.

With dedication and the right tools, you can master even the most challenging languages, opening up a world of new opportunities both personally and professionally.

By leveraging the resources and strategies provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle these linguistic challenges.

Whether your goal is personal enrichment or aiming to boost your earning potential, the skills you gain from learning one of the world’s hardest languages will prove invaluable in our increasingly interconnected global economy.

So, which language you are planning to learn, share in the comments below.