How to Truly Learn Vocabulary in a Foreign Language

Do you remember learning thousands of words as a child using flashcards and language apps like Duolingo? Of course not—this isn’t how you learned your native language. You acquired it by listening and reading a lot of material.

Despite this, many people try to learn foreign languages by memorizing word lists with flashcards or apps. It’s no wonder this method often leads to frustration and self-doubt.

In this article, I’ll assume that vocabulary acquisition in a foreign language works fundamentally the same way as in your native language. Let’s explore what this means for your learning approach.

1. Stay Patient—Especially If You’re a Beginner

If you’ve ever been around a baby, think about how long it takes them to learn even the basics of their native language. While adults have an advantage—experience, reasoning skills, and prior knowledge—it still takes time to grasp the basics of a new language.

The beginner stage (up to A2) is often the hardest. At this level, you’re unfamiliar with the sounds, structure, and appearance of the language. Progress feels slow, but this stage is foundational for everything that follows. Be patient!

2. Unconscious Learning Comes First

Think back to how you learned your native language. You now know an estimated 15,000–20,000 words (according to the BBC), and you did this without memorizing word lists. Instead, you absorbed massive amounts of material.

To reach even A1 (about 700 words), consider how much effort flashcards would require. While flashcards might help in moderation, they don’t immerse you in the language.

Knowing words isn’t enough. To say something as simple as “I want to buy bread,” you also need to understand word order, verb conjugations, prepositions, and more. Language is more than vocabulary—context and structure matter.

3. Quantity Is Key

If unconscious learning is your primary method, it’s clear that quantity matters. Vocabulary acquisition through exposure takes time.

You’ll need to encounter the same words repeatedly and in different contexts before they stick. Re-reading familiar material can also reinforce what you’ve already learned.

4. Learn to Guess

Guessing is an essential skill when learning a language. Instead of fixating on words you don’t know, focus on what you do understand. Use context to piece together meaning.

This is why exposure to rich, meaningful content—like stories, movies, or comics—is so valuable. These materials provide hints through visuals, tone, and narrative structure.

5. Embrace Context

Context helps you guess and remember words more effectively. Think of how actors’ expressions in a movie or images in a comic book clarify meaning.

As a child, I loved comics, much to my parents’ dismay. But comics offered an excellent mix of visuals and text, making vocabulary acquisition easier. The same principle applies to language learners.

Whenever possible, learn words as part of a story or a meaningful situation. Isolated memorization (e.g., flashcards) is far less effective.

6. Use Deliberate Effort for Some Cases

Certain phrases—like collocations (“call it a day” or “a call for action”)—are hard to guess, even for advanced learners. In these cases, deliberate effort, such as looking up meanings or practicing specific phrases, can be helpful.

Final Thoughts

Language learning is about patience, immersion, and meaningful practice. While flashcards and apps have their place, they shouldn’t replace the most effective tools: consistent exposure to the language and engaging with rich content.

If you’re looking for more insights, I highly recommend the article 🔗 "Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition in a Second Language" by Thomas Huckin and James Coady. It’s a fantastic resource for understanding vocabulary acquisition.

Happy learning!