Words are the building blocks of language and grammar guides how we arrange them. Memorizing words so you have those building blocks at the ready is one of the most challenging aspects of learning Japanese but it’s not an insurmountable hurdle.
Consider, while the average Japanese adult knows between 25,000 and 30,000 words, in true Pareto style only about 4000 of those are used 98% of the time, so if you can acquire those four thousand, you are ready for most of what Japanese life can throw at you.
This article shares some tips on how to quickly and effectively get these words into your long-term memory.
Step 1: Always Carry A Notebook
When you come across new words that you want to ingrain into your vocabulary, it’s important to be able to note them at the time so you don’t forget. If electronics are your thing, you can use an app on your phone, but physically writing it down helps build additional neural wiring to aid in retention.
When you record this new word, put the word on one side of the notebook and its meaning on the right. Then, most importantly, make your own examples using the new word. By making your own examples, you trick your brain into thinking “this is important,” so it will be easier to remember. Pro tip: Making more than one example helps boost the trickery. By the way, if you can create a mnemonic visualization at the same time, so much the better.
Also, as noted in Three Steps To Thinking In Japanese, as much as possible try to learn the words directly in Japanese and try not to translate in your head.
Step 2: Check Your Work
Ask a native speaker to check the examples you created for accuracy and naturalness. As much as possible, you want to learn your new vocab in context as part of reusable “chunks” of speech.
If you don’t have a teacher or online tutor, use one of the plentiful apps to find a language exchange partner who can help. With many apps like HelloTalk or HiNative, the entire community will offer corrections if you ask nicely and reciprocate.
Note: you also have the option to lift your examples directly from authentic sources, which assures some level of “correctness.” Your brain won’t get as excited by them as ones you create yourself, but if you have interesting, compelling sources of comprehensible input, this is a great way to learn chunks of language that you can start using right away.
Step 3: Use Your Words
Make it a habit to consciously use your new words as soon as practical. This can require the most effort, but the payoff is very high. The more output you perform using the word, the more naturally your use of it will be and it will quickly become permanently embedded in your memory. Again, the more you try to output it, the more your brain will think “this is important” and create the neural pathways to store it.
Usage options can include:
- Use it speaking with a teacher or language exchange partner;
- Write a journal entry (and have it reviewed by a native);
- Send a voice memo to a language partner or to an online community at large;
- Talk to yourself! Try to describe anything that’s going on in your life or whatever is currently on your mind. You can even create multiple characters in your head and have them hold a conversation.
This will also help you understand these words when you hear them, because the more you say them, the more your ears get used to hearing them.
The most important point is not only learn the words, but make them your own.
Action Steps
Have a notebook or note-taking app? Always have it with you and jot down any new interesting word you want to know.
Create examples for each word, verify they sound natural and illustrate correct usage.
Start using those words!
Remember: If you can make your brain think the word is important, you win.