Vocabulary: The Heart of Language Learning
If you ask me, the single most important part of language learning is vocabulary. Grammar helps shape what you say, but it’s vocabulary that gives you something to say in the first place. Whether you’re reading a novel, watching a movie, or chatting with a friend, your vocabulary determines what you understand and what you can express. Naturally, many language learners want to know how to learn vocabulary.
At LingQ, we believe the best way to acquire vocabulary is through massive exposure to the language. In this post, I’ll explain what this means and share key concepts/strategies to learn vocabulary effectively.
How to Learn Vocabulary
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Learning vocabulary is personal, and what works for one learner may not work for another. That said, there are a few core approaches that I’ve found useful.
Deliberate Study
Traditionally, language learners turn to flashcards, vocabulary lists, and spaced repetition systems to learn vocabulary. These methods can have their place, especially if you have several hours every day to devote to study. When I was studying Mandarin Chinese, I’d devote an hour per day to deliberate study. However, repeating the same words over and over tends to lead to boredom and frustration. Your brain gets bored, and many learners lose motivation.
Learning Through Exposure
Instead of memorizing words in isolation, I prefer to immerse myself in the language. When you read and listen to interesting content in your target language, you encounter words in meaningful contexts. You see how the words are used, which words they appear with, and in what tone or style. This is how we build deep, flexible knowledge of vocabulary.
That’s where LingQ comes in. You can read and listen to content you enjoy—articles, podcasts, YouTube transcripts—and learn words naturally. Each time you see a new word, you can quickly look it up and save it for later review. On LingQ, you’re acquiring vocabulary through context.
The more often you encounter a word, the more likely it is to stick. Not because you forced it, but because your brain decided it was important.
Interleaved Learning
One of the most powerful ways to learn is to forget.
That may sound strange, but research supports it—and it matches my experience. You see a word, forget it, and then see it again. Interleaved learning, the process of spaced, layered exposure, helps you remember far better than cramming ever could.
I often go through my vocabulary list in LingQ, not trying to force anything, just browsing through words I’ve encountered before. Some of them I now recognize—great, I mark them as known. Others I’ve forgotten—that’s fine. I’ll see them again in another context, and next time they may stick.
This process of forgetting and relearning is not a failure—it’s how we build lasting vocabulary.
Speaking: Putting Your Vocabulary to the Test
Passive vs. Active Vocabulary
Another important distinction is between passive and active vocabulary. Your passive vocabulary—words you understand when you read or hear them—will always be larger than your active vocabulary, the words you can recall and use in conversation.
That’s normal.
Build Your Vocabulary Through Speaking
I don’t rush into speaking. I prefer to build up comprehension first. Once I understand enough of what I hear, I find it easier—and more enjoyable—to speak.
But speaking is essential. It helps you take those passive words and bring them into your active vocabulary. You notice things and pick up vocabulary better if you’re engaged in a conversation. The more you speak, the more you notice gaps, the more your brain starts to reach for those words it’s seen before. And that reinforces learning.
Conclusion: Learn Vocabulary through Immersion
So, how do you learn vocabulary? Not by brute force. Not by memorizing endless lists. But by enjoying the language through consistent reading and listening.
At LingQ, we’ve built a system that supports this natural process. We track your words, show you what’s new, and let you revisit vocabulary at just the right time—without pressure. You’re always in control. You’re learning from content that matters to you. As long as you keep coming back to the language, you’re sure to encounter the words that really matter again and again.
That’s how words stick.
FAQ: How to Learn Vocabulary with LingQ
How does LingQ keep me motivated to learn vocabulary?
LingQ is a confidence booster. It automatically tracks your known words, so you can see your vocabulary growing day by day. It’s motivating to watch your word count go up—it’s quantifiable proof that you’re improving!
Is block learning effective?
Block learning, where you take some material and try to force yourself to learn it, reviewing it many, many times, has diminishing returns. Repetition without context is less efficient than encountering words naturally, over time. Motivation is also more likely to decline.
Do I need to use flashcards to learn vocabulary?
Not necessarily. Some people enjoy them, but I prefer to learn through interesting content. If I do use flashcards, I focus on phrases, not just single words. I also don’t force myself to memorize flashcards. They’re just additional exposure.
What’s the difference between passive and active vocabulary?
Passive vocabulary includes words you recognize but might not use. Active vocabulary consists of words you can recall and use in conversation. Reading and listening build passive vocabulary; speaking helps activate it.
How often should I review vocabulary?
There’s no set schedule. With LingQ, you naturally review words as you encounter them again in different lessons. That’s more powerful than any spaced repetition algorithm.
10 comments on “How to Learn Vocabulary: A Polyglot’s Guide to Making Words Stick”
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After working with young children for many years I feel that a combination of exposure and flashcards works well when teaching new vocabulary. I find that if I introduce the word through a conversation or a story first the children are more interested in the word. Then we can review the vocabulary through the use of flashcards
I do not believe in using flashcards with young children. I believe that children learn best when they experience the new vocabulary word in many different contexts. I try to introduce new words through stories and then integrate the new word into our conversations and play.
Obrigado. Aprendi muito com esse texto !
Consegui ler cerca de 80% sem ajuda de um dicionário !
That is a great technique described in this blog how to improve your vocabulary. So it will be very handy for those who still want to memorize vocabulary.
I think the best way to expand one’s vocabulary is to read words in contextually written sentences, like this site does.
I can go on there, read a word I’ve never heard of and understand it immediately.
In my opinion, flashcards seem too old school, over-recommended and uninspiring. Never did I find them to be very effective.
I was in one of those situations where I got to study a language 7-8 hours a day in classes, then more at night. In the beginning we were learning a new alphabet and 15-20 words a day. I’d write each word 15 times while sounding out the word, plus visualizing them. We also had audio tapes for each lesson’s vocab and dialog. The next day we’d test on the vocab and do the dialog, which featured the new vocab, from memory in front of our class. We never used flashcards. We figured we would have been issued them with the tapes and textbooks. Only flashcards we ever got from Uncle Sugar were armor and aircraft recognition playing cards. 😉 Some of us had the card habit from previous languages and made their own. I don’t recall using them in my high school Spanish.
I used to use flash cards 20 years ago, but now I have so much material to work with and I can look up words relatively easily online most of the time, so I don’t bother trying to memorize words. I just review texts I read by rereading them and looking up the words I still don’t remember. Or I listen to the texts (if this is possible). I think it’s better to see words in context. Certainly this happens with passive skills which i believe should be developed prior to active skills. While in the short-term I might not remember quite as many words when i want to use them I do believe that in the long run I remember them and not only that I know how to use them.
So, I not necessary need to revies the new words that I just learned?