How to learn vocabulary in a new language (and keep it)
TutorAura guide · Updated
Vocabulary is the foundation of any language: you can't understand or say much without the words. The most efficient way to build it combines choosing the right words (the most common first), testing yourself with spaced reviews, and meeting and using words in real sentences. Spaced self-testing is one of the best-supported learning methods, and studies of flashcard learning show spacing beats cramming (Kornell, 2009).
Here's a routine that works for school language courses and exam vocabulary lists.
Key takeaways
- Learn the most frequent and most useful words first.
- Test yourself in both directions, with spaced reviews.
- Learn words in phrases and use them in your own sentences.
- Read and listen a lot to meet words in context.
1. Choose the right words
A relatively small number of very common words make up a large share of everyday language, so learning them first pays off quickly. For school, start with your course or exam vocabulary list and the topics you're studying now. Add words you meet and need, rather than random lists.
2. Test yourself, both ways
Make flashcards (paper or app) and test yourself:
- Target language to your language (recognition): easier, good for reading.
- Your language to target language (production): harder, needed for speaking and writing.
Say or write the answer before checking. Getting it wrong and correcting it is part of learning. See active recall.
3. Space your reviews
Review new words the same day, the next day, a few days later and a week later. Words you get right move to longer gaps; words you miss come back sooner. Flashcard apps do this automatically; with paper cards, use piles for "tomorrow", "this week" and "later". Ten to fifteen minutes a day beats an hour once a week (Cepeda et al., 2006). See spaced repetition.
4. Learn words in context
Single words are easy to forget and easy to misuse. Learn them in short phrases and example sentences:
| Instead of | Learn |
|---|---|
| tomar = to take | tomar el autobús = to take the bus |
| faire = to do/make | faire ses devoirs = to do your homework |
| Lust = desire | Ich habe Lust auf Pizza = I fancy pizza |
Note gender, irregular forms and common partners (which preposition follows the verb).
5. Use the words
Write a few sentences about your own life using new words. Say them aloud. In speaking practice, try to use this week's words deliberately. Using words yourself (production) is harder than recognising them, and that effort helps them stick.
6. Read and listen a lot
Flashcards build a base, but much vocabulary is learned by meeting words repeatedly in context. Read and listen to material at a comfortable level: graded readers, simple news, songs, shows with subtitles in the target language. When a word keeps appearing, add it to your cards. An AI tutor can help too: TutorAura's language tutor can quiz you on your vocabulary list, give example sentences and correct your own sentences.
A 15-minute daily routine
| Minutes | Activity |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 | Review cards that are due, saying answers before checking |
| 5 to 8 | Learn 5 to 10 new words in phrases |
| 8 to 12 | Write three sentences about your day using new words |
| 12 to 15 | Read or listen to something short in the language |
Do this most days and the reviews keep older words fresh while new ones are added gradually.
Frequently asked questions
What's the fastest way to learn vocabulary?
Learn the most useful words first, test yourself with flashcards in both directions, space your reviews over days, and use the words in sentences.
How many new words should I learn a day?
It depends on your time, but a manageable number, such as 5 to 15 new words a day plus reviews, is more sustainable than large batches you forget.
Are flashcard apps better than paper flashcards?
Both work. Apps automate spaced scheduling; paper cards work well if you sort them by when to review.
Why do I forget words so quickly?
Forgetting is normal without review. Spaced self-testing and meeting words in context help them stick.
Sources
- Optimising learning using flashcards: Spacing is more effective than cramming. Applied Cognitive Psychology (Kornell), 2009.
- Distributed Practice in Verbal Recall Tasks: A Review and Quantitative Synthesis. Psychological Bulletin (Cepeda et al.), 2006.
- Improving Students' Learning With Effective Learning Techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest (Dunlosky et al.), 2013.
Keep reading
An AI language tutor for school language classes
Grammar explained one step at a time, vocabulary quizzes and feedback on your writing, for the language you study at school.
Spaced repetition: how to remember more by studying less at once
Why spreading study over time beats cramming, and a simple schedule you can start today.
Active recall: the study technique that beats rereading
Why testing yourself beats rereading, and five practical ways to do it for any subject.
How to memorize things faster (and remember them for longer)
Test yourself, space reviews, understand first, use mnemonics wisely, and sleep.