What Makes Languages Easier to Learn?

When people ask me if learning a language gets easier, I think of Zhuangzi’s Parable of the Crooked Tree. In short, a man deems a tree useless because it can’t be cut into straight lumber. To this, Zhuangzi replies: “You can sit beneath it and enjoy the shade.” If you understand the true nature of things, you will be able to use them to achieve your goals.

This same logic applies to language learning. Of course, language learning requires some effort, but we learn best when effort is minimized and pleasure is maximized. Like the crooked tree, a language isn’t meant to be forced. It’s meant to be experienced and enjoyed.

Over the years, I’ve learned over 20 languages. And I can tell you this: language learning does get easier — not because the languages themselves become easier, but because you become better at learning them. Here’s how.

Are Some Languages Easier to Learn?

I’m asked this question quite often. I address this subject more thoroughly here, but the short answer is: “Yes, absolutely.”

It’s easier to learn a new language if there is a significant overlap in vocabulary. A greater lexical similarity enables you to jump into interesting content more quickly.

When I started learning Czech, I already had a strong grasp of Russian. I found that 60% of the vocabulary was familiar. This recognition let me dive into real content faster — movies, podcasts, books — which means I spent less time in the “beginner limbo” and more time enjoying the language.

With Arabic or Turkish, there’s almost no overlap with English or other European languages I’ve learned. That’s what makes them harder: not the grammar, not the word order — the unfamiliar vocabulary.

5 Habits for More Effortless Learning

A successful language learner enjoys the process. Time spent with the language is not a chore or a hassle. It’s a consistent pleasure. These habits have helped me stay the course and stay motivated as a language learner — and they’ll help you too.

1. Set Low Goals (and Exceed Them Anyway)

I used to aim for 100 LingQs (new words or phrases) a day in Arabic. It was simply too much. Instead of feeling bad about this, I changed my style. Now I set my daily goal at 13 LingQs. Small goals remove pressure and get you moving. Besides, once I get started, I almost always exceed it.

Goals don’t need to be frustrating and unachievable. You need to stay motivated. Design goals that boost confidence, but still keep you on track.

2. Don’t Compete with Others

I’m not here to win. In fact, I’m ranked #1572 in some challenges on LingQ, and that’s fine. The goal isn’t to beat others — it’s to stay engaged.

Language learning is an individual process. I listen and read to content that I personally enjoy. I’m most interested in my own progress.

3. Treat Language Like Entertainment

Learning should be fun. Find meaningful content. Watch movies. Read stories. Chase what interests you. I switched from Arabic to Danish one week just because I got hooked on a Danish Netflix show.

I reiterate that language learning should be enjoyed. If I watch a movie in another language, I don’t stress about understanding much of it; it’s a form of entertainment. It brings me into the culture. Language learning doesn’t have to be limited to routine or drills.

4. Don’t Overprepare (Especially with Tutors)

When I have a lesson with an Arabic tutor, I don’t stress about preparation. I enjoy the flow of free conversation. Besides, excessive preparation can lead to more pressure and frustration. This is not the mindset you should have when speaking in your target language.

I’m not too strict with myself as a language learner. I try to stay adaptable and spontaneous. Simply exposing myself to the language and receiving 1-on-1 speaking practice is all I expect during my sessions. Overall, how you decide to spend your time with the target language isn’t as important as just showing up.

5. Add Variety to Your Learning

Tired of listening? Go read. Bored of reading? Watch a movie. Burned out in one language? Try another. Variety keeps the spark alive. Learning languages is a long process, and it can quickly become monotonous.

Keep your language learning fresh with new content and challenges. Vary the difficulty of your reading and listening material. If you’re bored or dreading language learning, you’re doing it wrong.

Conclusion: Flow Over Force

So, does learning a language gets easier? Yes, once you stop fighting the process. When you stop measuring, stop comparing, stop cramming, and just immerse yourself in things you enjoy, your brain learns naturally.

Your biggest enemy isn’t the grammar or the vocabulary. It’s the belief that you need to suffer to succeed. Ultimately, enjoying your language helps you achieve your goals more quickly (and harmoniously), all while keeping your love for the language in tact.

FAQs for Easier Language Learning

Q: Why do you read on LingQ?

I read and listen to my languages on LingQ because it’s easier. Unknown words are highlighted and saved. I don’t need to interrupt my reading flow to look up a word. I can just focus on the content.

Q: How do you approach grammar?

I don’t try to memorize grammar rules. Grammar is a spark — a quick explanation to confirm or clarify something that I’m noticing while immersing myself in the language. I’ll reference a grammar guide every now and then, but I don’t force myself to memorize the new knowledge.

Q: Do you do comprehension questions?

I don’t do comprehension questions because it’s too much time and work. To quote Rubem Alves, “Nothing destroys the pleasure of reading as much as being asked questions about what you have read.” Sometimes, if a book has comprehension questions, I’ll skim over the answers in the back. However, my time is better spent reading and listening.

Q: Do you use flashcards?

I do use flashcards. However, I don’t use flashcards as a memorization tool. They’re a game. Additional exposure to the language. I don’t worry about remembering every word. I review them for variety.

Q: Bilingual or monolingual dictionaries?

Personally, I always prefer a bilingual dictionary. I find monolingual dictionaries more frustrating, and they slow things down. Especially if I’m a beginner in the target language, I probably won’t understand the definition of the word anyway!

Q: What if a language has strange features?

Every language has strange features. Articles in English or honorifics in Japanese? Don’t worry about them. Trust that exposure will take care of it over time. Review a grammar guide if you’re curious, but understand that you won’t internalize the concept without significant immersion in the target language.