Puerto Ricans mainly speak Spanish, with English also widely present as a second official language.

Quick Scoop: What Do Puerto Ricans Speak?

  • The primary everyday language in Puerto Rico is Spanish , used at home, in the streets, business, and most local media.
  • English is also an official language, taught in schools and used in government, tourism, and some business, but most people are more comfortable in Spanish.
  • Many Puerto Ricans mix both, creating “Spanglish” in casual conversation, especially in urban and tourist areas.

A Bit More Detail

Spanish arrived with Spanish colonization in the 15th century and became the dominant language of the island, shaping identity and culture. After the United States took control in 1898, English was introduced in schools and government, eventually becoming co-official with Spanish. Today, laws recognize both Spanish and English as official, but over 95% of Puerto Ricans use Spanish as their main language in daily life.

Historically, the Indigenous Taíno language was spoken before colonization, and traces of it survive in Puerto Rican Spanish vocabulary and place names. Over time, African languages, English, and other immigrant languages also added layers to how Puerto Ricans speak today.

TL;DR: Puerto Ricans speak mostly Spanish, with English as a second official language and lots of informal Spanglish in between.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.