Should You Learn Spanish Before Portuguese?

If you’re planning to study Portuguese, you may be wondering: should you learn Spanish before Portuguese? It’s a smart question, especially since these two Romance languages are so similar. Many learners think that learning Spanish first will make Portuguese easier—but is that really the case?

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of learning Spanish before Portuguese, how similar the languages are, and what to consider if you’re starting wit  online Portuguese lessons.

Why Some Learners Choose to Learn Spanish Before Portuguese

Many students choose to learn Spanish before Portuguese because the two languages share about 90% of their vocabulary. That means words often look and sound alike, giving Spanish learners a head start when switching to Portuguese.

Some advantages include:

• Faster vocabulary recognition

• Familiar grammar structures

• Easier transition to reading and listening comprehension

Still, pronunciation in Portuguese is notably different. If you learn Spanish first, you might still need time to adjust to Portuguese sounds and speech patterns.

How Spanish Can Help with Portuguese (and When It Doesn’t)

Learning Spanish first gives you a language-learning foundation that can ease your transition into Portuguese. You’ll already understand gendered nouns, verb conjugations, and sentence structure.

But there are some drawbacks to consider:

• False cognates (false friends) can be confusing (e.g., embarazada in Spanish = pregnant; embaraçada in Portuguese = embarrassed)

• You might develop habits in Spanish that don’t transfer well to Portuguese

• Blending the two languages—also known as “Portuñol”—can hinder fluency in either

If you’re not careful, learning Spanish first may cause more confusion than clarity.

Is Spanish Easier Than Portuguese for Beginners?

Many learners feel that Spanish is easier to learn at the beginner level, especially for native English speakers. Spanish spelling is phonetic, and its pronunciation tends to be more straightforward.

That said, once you’re used to the sounds, Portuguese can be just as approachable. If you already learn Spanish before Portuguese, the vocabulary overlap and grammar patterns will likely make Portuguese more familiar.

Do You Need to Learn Spanish Before Portuguese?

No—you don’t have to learn Spanish before Portuguese. While Spanish might give you a helpful head start, it’s not essential.

In fact, starting with Portuguese can be beneficial:

• You’ll avoid picking up Spanish habits that don’t translate

• You can dive directly into Brazilian or European Portuguese culture

• You’ll stay focused and motivated by learning the language you’re most excited about

Why Learning Both Languages Is a Win

Whether you start with Portuguese or learn Spanish before Portuguese, both languages unlock incredible opportunities:

• Speak with over 700 million people globally

• Access cultures across Latin America, Europe, and Africa

• Improve job prospects in education, international business, healthcare, and more

Learning both also gives you an edge as a multilingual communicator—and a better understanding of how languages work.

FAQs: Learning Both Spanish and Portuguese

Should I learn Spanish before Portuguese?

Yes and no. Learning Spanish first can give you a foundation in Romance languages, especially with shared vocabulary and grammar. But it’s not required—many learners succeed by starting directly with Portuguese, especially if that’s their main interest.

Will learning Spanish first help me learn Portuguese faster?

Yes. Spanish helps with vocabulary recognition and understanding grammatical structures in Portuguese. However, you’ll still need to adjust to pronunciation and avoid confusing false cognates between the two.

Can I learn Portuguese without knowing Spanish?

Absolutely. Portuguese is accessible to beginners, and a quality online Portuguese course is designed to teach it from the ground up—no Spanish needed.

Final Thoughts: Learn Spanish Before Portuguese—Or Not?

Ultimately, the decision to learn Spanish before Portuguese depends on your goals, interests, and learning style. If you’re curious about both, Spanish can be a great first step. But if Portuguese is your priority, don’t wait—start learning Portuguese online today.

Ready to get started with Portuguese?

Explore our accredited, online Portuguese lessons designed for every level of learner—no Spanish required.