Tongues

A
Utility

Tongues is a Utility spell. Utility spells solve problems outside of combat or provide unique situational advantages.

See all Utility spells →
 spell that lets one creature understand any spoken or signed language and be understood by any listener
clearly

Tongues is a Information spell. Information spells provide ways to transmit, perceive, detect, or reveal hidden or unknown information.

See all Information spells →
.

2024 Rules
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.

2014 Rules
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

Tongues now works on signed languages too. The target can understand spoken or signed language it hears or sees, and it can communicate by signing as well as speaking, letting listeners or observers who know at least one language understand it.

Tongues popularity

Tongues is a commonly chosen level 3 spell. Choosing it adds an established option to your spellbook.

Spells similar to Tongues

  • Comprehend Languages 1st-level divination

    It grants the ability to understand languages for a similar duration and comes from the same school and class family, making it the closest mechanical analogue.

  • Sending 3rd-level divination

    Both solve communication problems at a distance and are third‑level divinations commonly chosen by the same classes for exchanging information.

  • Speak with Dead 3rd-level necromancy

    It’s a third‑level spell that focuses on extracting or exchanging spoken information with creatures, so it fills a comparable information‑gathering niche.

  • Speak with Plants 3rd-level transmutation

    Like the target, it grants temporary understanding and communication ability with a category of beings, serving a similar utility/information purpose.

  • Message Transmutation cantrip

    Although a lower level and short‑range, it’s a direct communication spell favored by the same casters for private exchanges of information.