How can I learn new vocabulary?

Everyone learns in different ways, but some of the most common ways of learning new vocabulary are explained below. Try the techniques to work out which way works best for you, and you can adapt it as necessary!

1. Use the vocabulary lists

Most textbooks are divided into subject areas, and will have lists of the important vocab at the end of each topic, as well as a general glossary at the end of the book. This is the most obvious place to start! Cover up one side of the list (either Spanish or English), and test yourself. Each time you find a word you don't know, repeat it aloud to yourself. If you find words you have particular difficulty with, highlight them and pay special attention to them each time you revise. To mix things up, ask somebody else to test you in a random order, so you truly know the vocabulary and haven't just learnt the order!

2. Use online resources

There are many language-learning websites and apps on the market, many of them free. Particular favourites are Quizlet, which has games and activities to help you learn vocabulary (you can even enter your own vocab lists!) and DuoLingo, which is great for more general practice.

3. Flash cards

If you are a visual learner, you can create flash cards with an image representing the word on one side and the word on the other. Repetition will soon help you to learn the new vocabulary!

Key tip: Make sure to learn vocabulary both ways, from Spanish to English and also from English to Spanish. You are more likely to remember it this way.