How Long Does it Take to Learn Hindi?

According to the US Foreign Service Association, it takes about 1100 hours to learn Hindi. That’s roughly 10 months of classes, although it’s a vague answer, and it actually depends on your mother tongue. For example, learning Hindi is easier for Arabic speakers due to similarities in their vocabulary.

Hindi ranks as the 3rd  most spoken language in the world, right after Mandarin and English.

Inevitably, the question arises, how long does it take to learn Hindi? Actually, it depends on your purpose of learning the language and your situation.

If you want to learn this beautiful language because you want to work as a researcher or a translator, you must consider a proper Hindi learning course.

On the other hand, if your only purpose is to use Hindi on a day-to-day basis, it is much easier.

How Long to Learn Hindi: Factors to Consider

Here are the things you need to consider to assess how long it takes to learn Hindi.

1. Language Learning Background

This is the most crucial thing to consider to assess how long it takes to learn to speak in Hindi. If you already speak a foreign language or were raised as bilingual, you might save some time.

Several linguistic studies have proven that bilinguals are naturally more comfortable learning a new language.

The best thing is that if you are fluent in your own language, especially in English, it will aid in skills and fluency in another. 

The good news is that even if you are not bilingual or multilingual, the complimentary French class in High-school or the business trip to Dubai will be helpful.

All it takes is exposure to new languages. If we talk about the linguistic aspects, if you are already exposed to the grammar and vocabulary of a new language (specifically Hindi), you have a pretty good understanding of what to expect and whatnot.

2. The Language You are Learning

It may sound surprising to you, but many languages are actually more similar than you can think. Interestingly, Hindi and German are more similar than you thought, even though there’s thousands of kilometers difference.

The Hindi language derives from Sanskrit, which comes from the Indo-European language group.

Hindi is not alien even for English speakers. Both of these languages borrow a significant number of nouns and adjectives into their dictionary.

If you are an English speaker, these words might save you a lot of time when learning Hindi vocabulary.

Here’s an example of Hindi words used in English: Veranda, Samosa, Jungle, Bandana, Cashmere, Juggernaut, Dungaree, etc. The list is longer than you can think.

Even if you are accustomed to Arabic or Persian, it will be easier for you to learn Hindi, as these languages share similarities in grammar and vocabulary.

3. Learning Method

The method you are using to learn Hindi plays a key role. If your learning method is only limited to class-bound learning, then it will probably take you longer to learn Hindi.

If, however, you are learning Hindi organically by listening to music or commentaries on the radio, reading, speaking, and not to forget, watching Hindi (Bollywood) movies, you will learn faster.

Although, this method lacks grammar and vocabulary skills. So, it would be smarter if you join an online Hindi class that focuses on both grammar & vocabulary learning, as well as the organic method of conversing, reading, and listening.

If you are a Shah Rukh Khan fan, then you’ve already got his filmography to start binging.

4. Dedicated Timing

Several studies have proven that if you dedicate two hours every day to learn a new language (for instance, Hindi), be it perfecting the grammar, working on your vocabulary skills, reading, or simply watching a film, you will learn much faster than those who take up a week’s crash course.

That’s why specially designed online Hindi learning classes are the most effective. EnthuZiastic Hindi courses offer a perfect blend of both traditional learning and fun, practical exercises to help you learn better and faster.

5. Your Approach

We often get to hear that attitude is everything. Well, it’s true in a sense.

Your approach and sheer will to learn the language will determine how much time it will take to learn it. If you see the learning process as a fun and exciting way to know a new culture, then you will surely prosper faster than others. Or else there are several reasons people think Hindi is hard to learn.

If your ancestors were from India, the sheer urge to speak to your relatives, even your grandparents, in your ancestral language Hindi, will give you the motivation to learn faster.

6. Motivation

Last but not least, motivation is all it takes. If you are learning it only for peer pressure, then my friend, the learning won’t help you much.

On the other hand, if you see the possibility of learning a new language as something rewarding, then you will automatically be open to learning with love and enthusiasm.

Think of it as a new horizon opening up. As you learn a new language, you learn about different cultures, people, and customs.

It’s like opening up Pandora’s box, but for a good cause. 

The Timeline to Learn Hindi

Let me clarify in the beginning; there is no fixed timeline for learning a new language. It depends on how fast you can grasp it and your invested time in it.

Still, here is a rough estimation of how much time does it take to learn Hindi.

1. Crash Course

People take these classes only to learn a bit about the language and a bit about the culture.

These are not so beneficial if you want to speak fluently. If you take up an online crash course thrice a year, it will take you at least 5-6 years to reach the intermediate level.

2. One Year Course

Sure, you can take up these classes if you only want to learn how to converse with locals on the street. Do not expect much. You won’t learn grammar or vocabulary extensively.

If you invest up to 5 hours per week for classes with 2 hours of homework, you can pretty much hold up any conversation.

3. Immersive Learning

If you are an English-speaker, then this is the best way to learn if you want to become an expert in this language. Immersive learning involves knowing the culture as well the grammar vocabulary and working on fluency. You’ll go deep into nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and even as far as business culture.

FAQs

Is Hindi an easy language to learn?

Hindi is an Indo-European language. But, the Hindi script, Devanagari, is particularly hard to learn for English-speaking people.

Hindi grammar and vocabulary are totally different from English, but they resemble Arabic. So, people who speak Arabic, Russian, or Persian might find it easy to learn. You may find the pronunciation hard, but with dedication and practice you can always improve.

Is Hindi a dying language?

Hindi is the 4th most spoken language in the world, right after Cantonese, English, and Spanish. It is India’s most spoken regional language, with a total Hindi-speaking population of over 370 million. So, Hindi is definitely not a dying language.

How long does it take to learn Hindi?

It takes almost 2-3 years to learn Hindi. Although it depends on the level you would like to learn. If you are a beginner and want to just converse with the locals, then you can pick up the language by practicing in just a few months. It will be enough for intermediate learning.

How do I learn to speak Hindi?

First of all, you have to start with the alphabet. Once you get a grasp of the Devanagari script, you will be able to read individual words. Consult a Hindi speaker or join an online class to learn extensively. It also depends on the extent you want to learn Hindi. If you want to reach an intermediate level of learning, then self-learning can also be adequate for you.

How long would it take an English speaker to learn Hindi?

It takes about 3 years to learn Hindi for an English speaker. According to FSI, the prescribed time to learn Hindi is almost 1100 hours. Hindi is a Group IV language, according to Foreign Service Institute. This might be a difficult language for English speaking learners, but you can surely ace the language if you have the will to learn.

Conclusion

No matter how much time it takes, learning a new language will open up new opportunities for you.

Who knows, it might be helpful for your next trip to India. You can also make a bunch of native speaker friends there. The trick is to love the language.

You can go for self-learning or enroll yourself in an online Hindi class and stick to it.

I hope the best for your Hindi learning journey, cheers!

Till then, अलविदा.