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Esperanto FAQ

Here are the answers to some common questions about Esperanto. If you have a question that isn't answered here, you're welcome to write to demando@lernu.net.

How many people speak Esperanto?
Nobody really knows. There aren't many speakers compared to the "big" languages, but there are enough that you can use the language in lots of ways. For a few concrete examples, check out the page on Fields of Use.

What's the closest language to Esperanto?
It depends how you look at it. Many of the root words come from Latin-based languages (such as Italian, Spanish, and French), but in some ways the structure of Esperanto is similar to languages such as Chinese and Vietnamese (isolated languages).

Is it easy to learn Esperanto?
Compared to other languages, certainly. But as with learning any language, some find it easier than others. You're certainly at an advantage if you already speak another foreign language.

Why is the language called Esperanto?
In the beginning, it was called Lingvo Internacia - the international language. When Zamenhof introduced the language, he used the name Dr. Esperanto (it means 'doctor who hopes'). Some people started to call it "the language of Dr. Esperanto", which was eventually shortened to just "Esperanto", which is the most common name today.

Are there any symbols of Esperanto? Yes, a few in fact. The green star has traditionally been used as a symbol of Esperanto, and it's a part of the Esperanto flag. The color green is a sign of hope, and the five points of the star symbolise the five continents.