People often ask me, “What’s the best way to learn vocabulary?” After learning over 20 languages and spending thousands of hours listening, reading, and interacting with new words, I’ve come to a few conclusions, and they might surprise you.
Memorizing Word Lists Doesn’t Work (At Least Not for Me)
When I started learning languages, like many others, I tried to memorize vocabulary using lists and flashcards. I’d set a goal: “Learn 10 words a day.” But the truth is, most of those words didn’t stick.
Why? Because isolated words, stripped of context, are hard for the brain to retain. Language isn’t a set of individual words, it’s a flow, a system of meaning. That’s why I eventually stopped trying to memorize vocabulary and started focusing on comprehensible input.
What Is the Best Way to Learn Vocabulary?
1. Get Massive Input: Read and Listen Every Day
The best way to learn vocabulary is to immerse yourself in the language. That means reading books, listening to podcasts, watching videos, whatever you enjoy.
When I learn a language, I spend hours a day with input. I don’t worry if I don’t understand every word. I trust the brain to do what it does best: recognize patterns and absorb meaning over time.
You don’t have to study vocabulary. You just have to encounter it often.
2. Don’t Obsess Over Every Unknown Word
In the beginning, I skip over a lot of words. I might click on them in LingQ to see the meaning, maybe save them. But I don’t stress about learning them right away.
Words will come back again and again, and each time they show up, they become more familiar. Eventually, I understand them. Then I use them. Then I own them.
That’s how vocabulary acquisition works.
3. Balance Extensive and Intensive Reading
I usually start with intensive reading: short texts where I look up a lot of words. This helps me get a feel for the patterns. As I improve, I move into extensive reading, where I focus more on the story and less on the individual words.
This mix is powerful. Intensive work gives you a foothold. Extensive reading builds momentum.
4. Learn Words in Phrases, Not in Isolation
I always say: “Don’t learn words. Learn phrases.”
When you learn the vocabulary in chunks: “take for granted,” “look forward to,” “in the long run”, etc. you not only learn the word, but also how it’s used. That makes your language more natural and fluent.
LingQ makes this easy. I can save entire phrases, not just words. It’s a huge advantage.
5. Make It a Habit, Not a Chore
Here’s the key: consistency beats intensity. You don’t need to spend hours a day (though I often do). Even 30 minutes of listening and reading, if done every day, will take you far.
Make it part of your routine. Pick content that excites you. Enjoy the process.
That’s the best way to learn vocabulary effectively.
My Typical Day of Vocabulary Practice
Here’s what my approach to learning vocabulary looks like on a typical day.
- In the morning, I listen to my target language while walking or doing chores. Passive exposure reinforces words that I already know.
- In the middle of the day, I like to read on LingQ, saving new words and phrases. I am encountering new vocabulary in context and can take my time with the language.
- In the evening, I watch YouTube or TV in the target language. I typically have less energy at this time, and the activity is natural, entertaining, and a good means of exposure.
I don’t do flashcards unless I feel like it. I don’t test myself either, I just expose myself to the language—again and again. Here’s why this method works:
- The brain learns through repetition and meaning.
- Context makes words stick.
- Enjoyment fuels consistency, which leads to results.
You won’t remember every word right away. And that’s fine. Trust the process.
Final Thoughts
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: The best way to learn vocabulary is to stop trying so hard to memorize it.
Let the words come to you through stories, conversations, and content you love. Notice them. Enjoy them. Review them casually. And most of all, keep showing up.
That’s how I’ve learned vocabulary in language after language, and I’m still doing it every day.
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FAQs
1. Should I memorize vocabulary lists to build my vocabulary?
If you have limited time, memorization of vocabulary is not the best use of time. When studying Chinese, I had several hours per day to study. I saw benefits from 1 hour of memorization drills. However, vocabulary is still better acquired through context and repeated exposure.
2. What’s the best way to learn vocabulary naturally?
Read and listen a lot—every day. Consist exposure to the language ensures that you’re constantly reinforcing known vocabulary and encountering new words.
3. How do I deal with words I don’t understand?
Don’t worry about them. Often, I skip them, maybe look them up, and trust they’ll come back again. You might not understand a word in a certain context. It may be clearer later.
4. Why learn phrases instead of single words?
Because that’s how we use language—chunks, not pieces. Phrases help you sound more natural by understanding which words typically go together.
5. How much time should I spend learning vocabulary?
Whatever you can do consistently. Even 30 minutes a day, if it’s enjoyable, will get you far.
