Tongues

Level & School
3rd-level divination
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, M (a miniature ziggurat)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

This spell grants the creature you touch the ability to understand any spoken or signed language that it hears or sees. Moreover, when the target communicates by speaking or signing, any creature that knows at least one language can understand it if that creature can hear the speech or see the signing.

Level & School
3rd-level divination
Casting Time
Action
Range
Touch
Components
V, M (a small clay model of a ziggurat)
Duration
1 hour
Classes
Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Warlock, Wizard

This spell grants the creature you touch the ability to understand any spoken language it hears. Moreover, when the target speaks, any creature that knows at least one language and can hear the target understands what it says.

Tongues 5.5e 2024 vs. 5e 2014 edition differences

The 2024 version adds understanding of signed languages and clarifies that creatures can understand speech or signing if they can hear or see it, respectively. The 2014 version only mentions spoken language understanding, with no mention of signing.

Spells similar to Tongues

  • Comprehend Languages

    Both grant the ability to understand languages.

  • Speak with Animals

    Both allow communication with non-human entities.

  • Sending

    Both enable effective communication over distance.

  • Message

    Both facilitate communication with a target creature.

  • Detect Thoughts

    Both involve understanding and interpreting communication in different forms.