1. Create an Ideal English Learning Environment

You don’t have to go abroad to slowly increase the number of words you know – you can create a friendly and inspiring learning environment wherever you are: Buy magazines or books in the new language, watch movies and cook (or just eat) local dishes.

2. Learn vocabulary through real-life situations

Try reading books or watching movies in the original language (with subtitles) and find out what the words mean. If you see or hear a phrase or sentence that you don’t understand, write it down, look it up and start memorizing it.

3. Learn to understand new words by putting them in context

A good idea to learn more English vocabulary faster is to put them in context. If you come up with funny sentences, you will have an easier time remembering them. Depending on how you learn, you can also draw or find pictures that will complement the sentences and put the words in the right context.

Instead of writing a bunch of random words, try to put them into sentences. That way, you know how the word is used in real life.

4. Get out of the habit of translating a new word into Vietnamese

If you want to get the most out of your learning, try not to translate the word into your native language, but instead, explain and describe it in the language you are trying to learn. For example, if you want to improve your language learning, always build a mind map with related words, synonyms or antonyms.

5. Find the right vocabulary learning tool

Everyone learns differently, so if you’re not sure which one works for you, try them all – or a combination of them – as much as possible: Find the right time. Some people like to set aside a specific time, others learn more spontaneously. Whichever approach you choose, make sure you stick to it and follow it through without interruption.

Flashcards – an effective vocabulary memorization tool

Flashcards, apps, lists, games, and more are great ways to memorize vocabulary.

6. Engage more with the language you’re learning.

Don’t just read the words from a flashcard or list – listen to them, say them out loud, and write them down. Just as it’s important to find the right tool for you, it’s important to make the learning experience as real as possible. The more you interact with them, the more likely you are to master them.

7. Focus more on your specialized vocabulary

The truth is, the more practical and common the words are to your profession, hobbies, and real-life conversations, the easier they are to learn – and the more often you’ll be able to use them.

If you want to expand your vocabulary because you want to work at a marketing company abroad, you probably don’t need to read Shakespeare or focus on words related to the Middle Ages.