Stop Asking "Which Language is the Hardest to Learn?" You've Been Asking the Wrong Question Entirely

Many people, before starting their language learning journey, often get stuck on a common dilemma: Chinese, Japanese, or Korean – which one is actually the toughest?

They'll scour the internet for various 'difficulty rankings', observing gurus and experts analyse grammar, pronunciation, and characters. It's almost like solving a complex mathematical equation, trying to calculate which path requires the least effort.

But let me tell you this: the question itself is flawed from the very beginning.

Choosing a language is like choosing a mountain you wish to climb

Imagine, learning a language is like choosing a mountain to ascend.

Someone tells you, 'Mountain A has a smooth path, you can reach the summit in 600 hours; Mountain B is a bit steep, requiring 2200 hours; while Mountain C is a perilous peak, possibly needing tens of thousands of hours.'

Which one would you choose?

Many would instinctively pick Mountain A because it's 'the easiest'. But what if the scenery along Mountain A's route doesn't appeal to you at all? No flora that captivates you, no fauna that sparks your curiosity. Can you truly persevere through those 600 hours? Chances are, every step would feel like a chore, tedious and never-ending.

Now, consider Mountain C. Although it's very tall and challenging, the sunrise there is the view you've always dreamt of, the mountain lore fascinates you, and you're just itching to see the landscape from the summit.

At this point, the climb itself ceases to be a torment. You'll eagerly study the route, relish every bead of sweat, and even find joy in those rugged, stony paths. Because your heart holds a light, and your eyes see the destination.

What truly propels you forward is 'passion', not 'simplicity'

Learning a language is the same. Those hundreds, even thousands, of hours of study are meaningless in themselves. What truly matters is: what sustains you throughout this long journey?

Is it the K-dramas and K-pop idols you just can't get enough of? Is it the Japanese anime and literature that thrill you to the core? Or is it the rich history and culture of China that deeply captivates you?

This is the question you should be asking yourself.

Stop fixating on which language has more tongue-twisting pronunciations, or which has more complex grammar. These are merely the 'terrain' along your path. As long as your love for the 'scenery' is strong enough, you'll always find a way to overcome any obstacle.

When you find yourself delving into lyrics because you love a band, or actively looking up new words because you want to understand a movie, learning ceases to be 'learning' and transforms into the joy of exploration.

You'll discover that those thousands of hours, once seemingly out of reach, subtly accumulate as you binge-watch dramas episode after episode and listen to songs, one by one, without even realising it.

Don't let 'difficulty' dictate your choice

So, forget about those 'difficulty rankings'.

1. Ask your heart: Which country's culture truly resonates with you? Which country's films, music, cuisine, or lifestyle excites you just by thinking about it?
2. Choose your passion: Pick the one that truly calls to you. Don't be afraid if it seems 'difficult', because passion will give you an unending source of energy.
3. Enjoy the journey: Make learning a part of your life. Confidently tell yourself that those 600 hours of anime aren't a waste of time, but rather an immersive 'Japanese practice'.

The true reward isn't just adding another line to your resume like 'Proficient in [Language X]', but rather the new world you've opened up for yourself in the process.

And when you're ready to start real conversations and make friends with people from that country, tools like Intent can give you a helping hand. It can translate your conversations in real-time, allowing you to immediately enjoy the pleasure of cross-linguistic communication without waiting for that 'perfect' day.

Ultimately, you'll realise that language isn't a 'fortress' to be conquered, but a 'bridge' to connect.

Now, go choose your mountain again – not the shortest one, but the one with the most beautiful view.