Learning vocabulary doesn't have to be overwhelming! Here are some fun and easy ways to learn words without draining too much energy: 1. Use Flashcards with Images Apps like Anki or Quizlet allow you to create flashcards. Add pictures, not just definitions, to associate words visually. Seeing an image alongside a word helps it stick better without too much mental effort. 2. Play Word Games Games like Scrabble, Wordle, or Crossword Puzzles are engaging ways to expose yourself to new words. It’s fun and doesn’t feel like “studying,” but you still learn. 3. Use Words in Your Daily Life Try using new words in sentences or conversations immediately. The more you use a word, the more naturally you’ll remember it. You could even create silly sentences to make it more enjoyable. 4. Read Short Texts on Topics You Like Reading something you enjoy, like short articles, blog posts, or stories, is less tiring. Highlight or note down new words, but don’t feel like you have to remember all of them right away. Focus on a few at a time. 5. Watch TV Shows or YouTube Videos in English Watching shows or videos in areas you’re interested in (cooking, sports, science, etc.) introduces you to vocab in a relaxed way. Write down a few key words from each video and revisit them later. 6. Use Mnemonics Make funny associations or stories with words to help them stick. For example, to remember "gregarious" (meaning sociable), imagine someone named Greg who loves to talk to everyone at parties! 7. Set Small Goals Learn 5 words a day instead of trying to memorize too many at once. Over time, this adds up without feeling overwhelming.

Learning vocabulary can be a lot of fun, and it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! Here are some tips to make it more enjoyable and less energy-draining: 1. Use Flashcards with a Twist * Use apps like Anki or Quizlet that use spaced repetition to help you remember words. * Twist: Add funny or personal images, emojis, or memes to each card to make it more engaging. 2. Learn with Music or TV Shows * Pick songs or TV shows in English (or the language you’re learning) that you love, and focus on lyrics or dialogues. Write down new words and associate them with scenes or emotions from the show. This makes words more memorable. * You’re already into learning languages through popular music, so this could help! 3. Make it a Game * Turn learning into a game by using apps like Duolingo or Memrise, which offer game-like learning. * You can also create a challenge with yourself, like "learn 5 words by the end of the day" or compete with a friend. 4. Visualize and Associate * For each new word, create a mental picture that represents the word in a funny or unusual way. The stranger the image, the easier it is to remember. * For example, for the word "elated" (meaning very happy), picture yourself holding a giant balloon lifting you off the ground! 5. Use Words in Silly Sentences * Create sentences that are ridiculous or funny with the new vocabulary. The weirder the sentence, the easier it’ll be to remember! * Example: "The elated elephant danced in my kitchen wearing a hat." 6. Learn in Small Chunks * Instead of overwhelming yourself with too many words at once, pick 3-5 words each day. Learning in small doses helps you retain more without getting tired. 7. Talk to Yourself * As you learn new words, try using them in casual conversations with yourself throughout the day. This helps you practice them without pressure. * You can even create short stories using new words! These strategies can make vocab learning more enjoyable, and the key is to keep it light and fun, so it feels

I also find it's draining so I don't pour any energy into it these days. I just go very slowly, and with enough exposure & repetition, it will eventually sink in. I think surrounding ourselves with native speakers, or even living in a native-speaking country, is the best way to absorb foreign language vocabulary. Immerse yourself into the language & culture, to absorb it from all directions, while stimulating maximum senses, to stand the best chance of it sticking.

For some words I use post-it notes instead of flashcards. Then I put them where I see them often, like next to the screen in my office or on the fridge. After you seen them a million times, you're likely to remember them.

Hi. You can book a lesson with me and we can discuss vocabulary strategies.