What Language Is Primarily Spoken, and Will English Be Understood by Locals?

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, a Turkic language spoken by the majority of the population. Due to the country’s Soviet past, Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among the older generation. In historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, Tajik (a dialect of Persian) is commonly heard as well.

English proficiency in Uzbekistan remains relatively low, with the country ranking 98th out of 114 in the EF English Proficiency Index. While you may encounter English speakers in hotels, restaurants, and major tourist sites—especially in Tashkent—English is not widely understood elsewhere. For smoother interactions, it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian, which can make a big difference when ordering food, asking for directions, or engaging with locals.

Overall, while language barriers exist, the warmth and hospitality of Uzbek people often bridge the gap, and a little effort to speak the local language is always appreciated.