You’re not alone—this is super common. One of the best ways to remember vocabulary is using spaced repetition—apps like Anki help by showing you words right before you’re likely to forget them. But just memorizing isn’t enough. Try to use new words in real sentences, speak them out loud, or spot them in shows or books. The more your brain sees a word in different situations, the more naturally it sticks.
I keep forgetting the words I learn in French. How do people actually remember vocabulary long-term?
by Voilivoilou | Jun 29, 2025 | French | 5 comments
Honestly? I make super weird mental images for every new word. Like, the French word for ‘window’ is fenêtre, so I imagined a ferret (sounds kinda similar) jumping through a window. It sounds dumb, but I haven’t forgotten it since
I started using a little trick: every time I learn a new word, I write a mini story using it. Even if it’s silly, it forces me to really think about how the word works. Way more fun than just memorizing a list.
Duolingo was okay at first, but what really helped was switching my phone and TikTok to French. Suddenly I was seeing useful words every day without even trying.
I keep a ‘word bank’ in Notion and review 5 random words every morning like flashcards. But the key? I have to use each one in a sentence about my life. That way they actually stick.
That’s very true. Spaced repetition is powerful, but active use is what really locks vocabulary in long-term memory. I’ve also found that connecting new words to emotions or personal experiences helps a lot. When you use a word in a sentence that means something to you, it becomes part of your natural expression rather than just a memorized item.