How to learn vocabulary in a new language: 8 techniques that work
Learning vocabulary is not about memorizing endless lists. What works is practicing often, in context, and pulling the word out of your memory. These eight techniques build on how the brain learns.
1. Start with the most useful words
Everyday words show up again and again, so each one you learn pays off more. Move through topics (home, food, family, city, travel, work) and levels, from A1 to B2, instead of jumping to rare vocabulary.
2. Learn in context
A lone word is forgotten sooner than one inside a sentence. Write a short, real sentence with each word: "I like the wooden spoon". That also teaches you how it is used.
3. Retrieve, do not reread
Rereading a list feels like knowing, but retrieval practice (trying to recall the word without looking) strengthens memory far more. Cover the translation, try to write it, then check. Games where you must build the word force exactly that.
4. Write and say the words out loud
Writing fixes spelling; speaking fixes sound. Listening to audio and repeating it aloud ties the two together. If you are unsure about pronunciation, use a dictionary with audio.
5. Review at growing intervals
We forget fast at first and more slowly with each review. Reviewing just before you forget is the most efficient: today, tomorrow, in three days, in a week... There is a full explanation in our spaced repetition guide.
6. Study a little, every day
Ten minutes a day beats one two-hour session on Sunday. Attach the habit to something you already do (morning coffee, your commute) and protect your streak, without punishing yourself if you miss a day.
7. Use the words as soon as you can
Write three sentences with the new words, tell your day to a language partner or to yourself out loud, or switch your phone's language. Using a word makes it yours.
8. Group related words, carefully
Studying by topic helps build connections. Avoid learning very similar words at the same time (for example, two days of the week or two colors back to back): they interfere with each other. Mixing them with other topics helps tell them apart.
A simple plan to get started
- Pick a topic and 8-10 words.
- Play or review for 10 minutes a day, trying to recall before you look.
- The next day, review the ones you missed.
- When you get a word right several times in a row, review it at wider intervals.