How to Learn 10 New English Words a Day (and Actually Remember Them)

Many English learners set a goal to learn 10 new words a day.

It sounds simple — until you realize that by next week, you’ve forgotten most of them!
The truth is: learning vocabulary isn’t about how many words you see, but how well you connect them to meaning.

Here are seven easy and practical tips to help you learn 10 new English words every day — and actually remember them.

1. Choose Words That Matter to You

Start with words that fit your life, goals, and interests.
If you love cooking, learn boil, chop, stir.

 

If you like football, learn referee, team, score.

If you work in an office, learn meeting, deadline, colleague.
Personal connection helps your brain remember — because the words feel useful and relevant, not random.

Tip: Make your vocabulary personal. You’ll use it more often — and that’s how memory gets stronger.

2. Learn Words in Context, Not in Lists

Instead of memorising isolated words, learn them in sentences or short phrases.
Your brain remembers stories much better than lists.

Example:
❌ to improve = migliorare
✅ I want to improve my English pronunciation.

This way, you remember not only the meaning but also how the word behaves in real English.

3. Use Flashcards the Smart Way

Flashcards still work — but they’re most powerful when used for active recall and spaced repetition.
Apps like Quizlet or Anki show you the right words at the right time, just before you forget them.
That’s how you move vocabulary from short-term to long-term memory.

Tip: Just 5 minutes a day of flashcard review is better than one long study session.

4. Colour-Code and Organize Visually

Visual learners remember colours, shapes, and images faster than plain text.
Try using different colours for word groups:

• Blue = verbs
• Green = nouns
• Pink = adjectives

You can also draw simple icons, highlight word endings, or create visual word maps.
That’s the same idea behind our Graphic Grammar Book — when you see a structure visually, you remember it longer and use it more easily.
Use your notebook as a creative space, not just a list of definitions!

5. Review, Repeat, and Recycle

Memory loves repetition — but it has to be spaced and active.
After you learn 10 new words:

• Review them the next day.
• Use them in a short text or conversation.
• Check again after a week.

Each time you revisit a word, you strengthen its connection in your brain.
Soon, those 10 new words become part of your real, active English.

6. Surround Yourself with Words

One of the simplest ways to remember vocabulary is to see it often in your daily life.
Write your new words on sticky notes and put them where you’ll see them — on your mirror, wardrobe, fridge, or computer.
Every time you walk past, your brain gets a little reminder.
After a few days, change the words. This keeps your learning active and fun, while constantly reinforcing your memory.

7. Play with Words to Make Them Stick

You don’t always need a real conversation to use your new vocabulary.
Try turning your 10 words into a crazy or funny sentence — even if it makes no sense!
For example: “My umbrella danced politely while the dentist sang coffee songs.”
The goal isn’t to be logical; it’s to make your brain connect the words in a creative, memorable way.

You can also group your new words into short mini-stories, or play a game where you connect them all in one paragraph.
The more unusual or silly the story, the more your memory will hold onto it — because your brain loves what’s unexpected.

Bonus Tip

If 10 words a day feels too much, start smaller.
Even 5 new words — learned properly, in context and used often — are worth far more than 20 you forget tomorrow.