As someone who speaks 4 languages, I know how hard and time-consuming language learning can be. Thousands of words to memorize, confusing grammar, strange pronunciation rules, and tons of exceptions at every turn. But does it have to be this slow and tedious?
Wanting to find the most effective way to learn a language, I dug into advice from renowned polyglots and language experts like Steve Kaufmann, Olly Richards, and Stephen Krashen, as well as the latest research on learning methods. Unsurprisingly, I found many common, practical tips on how to learn a new language fast.
1. Start with the script and basic vocabulary
When learning a new language, mastering the basics is key. If the language uses a different script, like Arabic or Japanese, begin by learning how the letters are written and pronounced.
Next, focus on learning the most commonly used words and phrases. In any language, knowing the 1000 most frequent words allows you to understand over half of everyday conversations and media. These are greetings, pronouns, numbers, nouns and verbs indicating everyday objects and actions, phrases like “Thank you”, “How much does this cost?”, or “I don’t understand”, etc.
You can find lists with these words and phrases online, but memorizing them in isolation isn’t the best idea. Instead, use structured beginner courses or vocabulary-learning apps like Anki and Memrise. Whatever method you choose, make sure you hear how these words are pronounced and see examples of how they are used in actual sentences.
2. Get a course
Early on, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything there is to learn. A course created by a language expert can provide the structure and guidance you need to progress efficiently.
There are many options to choose from: you can join an online class, follow a video or audio course, install a language app, or pick up a self-learning book. One of the easiest is starting with a free course on YouTube. If it doesn’t work for you, you can always switch to something else.
The goal of the course isn’t to be your only learning tool, but to provide enough basic vocabulary and understanding of language structure to help you progress to more advanced and engaging tools. You can and should combine it with learning the most common words that aren’t part of the course.
3. Embrace comprehensible input
One concept that nearly all language experts agree on is comprehensible input. Devised by the prominent linguist Stephen Krashen, it suggests that you should read and listen to material that is slightly above your current level. This keeps you engaged while introducing enough challenges to help you improve.
Once you have some basic words under your belt, start with simplified podcasts, videos, or short stories tailored for language learners. For instance, children’s books and YouTube channels for beginners are great for picking up vocabulary and sentence structures.
As your comprehension improves, try more complex materials like articles, videos, or podcasts made for native speakers. This transition can be hard, but it’s offset by the fact that native content is far more engaging than simplified.
Listening has always been the main way humans learn languages. Listen to native speakers as much as possible, and try to make time for it every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Over time, this exposure builds your vocabulary, sharpens your listening skills, and helps you internalize natural speech patterns.
4. Choose the right content
When you’re just starting out, your options for content are limited to beginner-friendly materials focused on basic dialogues and vocabulary, which is fine for building a strong foundation. But as soon as you can, start incorporating content related to topics you genuinely enjoy.
Choosing material that interests you keeps you motivated, and because you already understand the subject, it’s easier to follow along. For example, if you love cooking, watching recipe videos or reading food blogs in your target language can feel less like studying and more like a fun, useful activity.
Avoid fictional books and movies if possible — they often use literary language and cover unrealistic or uncommon topics like wizardry or superheroes. Instead, stick to non-fiction texts, documentaries, or conversational podcasts. They tend to use simpler language and practical vocabulary you can actually apply in real life.
5. Use content the right way
When consuming content in your target language, it’s tempting to translate every unfamiliar word. But this quickly becomes tedious and boring. Instead, try using a multiple-pass approach.
Let’s say you’re watching a video:
- Start by watching it once without translating anything. If it’s the right level for you, you should understand most of it.
- Next, translate the unknown words you encountered multiple times and try to memorize them.
- If you want to additionally solidify your new knowledge, rewatch the video.
This approach forces your brain to get the meaning of words from context and helps you focus on commonly used words, without getting in the loop of constant pausing and translating.
It’s also important to split your content into manageable segments. We’re talking 5-minute chunks, single pages, or small chapters. This keeps you immersed in the context while giving just enough new vocabulary for your brain to absorb effectively.
6. Avoid relying on aids too much
As you work with foreign content, it’s easy to lean on tools like subtitles or parallel texts, but this can slow your progress. They often make it too easy to bypass the challenge of understanding the language on its own, which is where real learning happens.
Subtitles are generally fine to use when watching something. Keep in mind, though, that subtitles in your native language don’t teach you anything because when you read them you’re not engaging with the new language at all. Instead, use subtitles in your target language and only glance at them if you miss something. Over time, work towards turning them off entirely to focus fully on the spoken words.
Parallel texts are another form of help, for those who prefer reading. These are books with the target language on one side and your native language on the other. Like other forms of translation, they make understanding too easy and can stunt your progress. Instead, try the multiple-pass approach mentioned earlier.
If you find yourself relying on these aids constantly, it probably means the content you choose has too much new vocabulary for your current level. Try something simpler. Another possibility is that the speakers are talking too fast. You can fix this by reducing the speed slightly.
7. Get talking early
Once you’ve learned a few hundred common words, it’s time to start speaking. This is crucial in helping you turn your passive knowledge into something you can actually use.
The easiest (and weirdest) way to start is by talking to yourself. It’s a good way to practice using new vocabulary, keep it fresh in your memory, and get comfortable constructing sentences. Plus, it’s a zero-pressure way to build your confidence before speaking with others.
There are also language exchange apps like Tandem or HelloTalk that make it easy to find native speakers to practice with. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to have decent speaking skills already to hold long conversations with real people.
If you have some budget, consider working with an online tutor. You can talk to them in a controlled and judgement-free environment, while receiving professional feedback on your pronunciation and grammar.
8. Study pronunciation when it affects comprehension
A piece of advice you’ll often hear from polyglots is to study correct pronunciation early on. The logic is simple: it’s easier to learn correct patterns from the start than to fix bad habits later. While this makes sense, I think the importance of pronunciation depends on the language you’re learning.
In popular European languages like Spanish or French, pronunciation rarely affects meaning. You’ll need to add a few new sounds to your arsenal to be understood by native speakers, but beyond that, how close you want to sound to a native is up to you.
In languages with more nuanced pronunciation, for instance tonal languages such as Mandarin or Vietnamese, studying pronunciation is non-negotiable. In these cases, a slight change in tone or stress can completely alter the meaning of a word.
The most natural way to improve pronunciation is to listen to native speakers as much as possible, pay attention to how they pronounce words, and try to mimic them. You can also use free resources like YouTube courses dedicated to pronunciation, or work with a tutor to get more personalized guidance.
9. Don’t go for perfection
It’s natural to want to be perfect when learning a language, but that shouldn’t be your goal. Perfection means getting every little detail right, but in reality, those small details don’t make much difference. You’ll achieve better results if you focus on the big picture.
When speaking or writing, prioritize getting your message across instead of obsessing over perfect grammar or pronunciation. Most native speakers will appreciate your effort and won’t expect you to be flawless. In fact, many natives aren’t perfect in their own language either.
The same applies to listening and reading. If you don’t understand a word or phrase, don’t let it stop you. Keep going and use context to fill in the gaps. With repeated exposure, you’ll naturally pick up what you missed without needing to analyze every detail.
Fluency is about being understood and understanding others, not being perfect all the time. Aim to be 80% correct 80% of the time, especially early in your learning journey. This principle will help you progress faster and enjoy the process much more.
10. Surround yourself with the language
Immersion is widely accepted as one of the best ways to learn a language because it forces you to use it in real-life situations. Luckily, you don’t have to move to another country to create an immersive environment.
Switch your phone and app settings to your target language, listen to podcasts, and watch videos. These changes will help you absorb vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation naturally.
Seek out opportunities to use the language in real conversations. Join language meetups or participate in online communities.
Finding a language learning partner can also be a game-changer. This could be a friend learning the same language or a native speaker from a language exchange app. Having a partner makes learning much more interesting and helps you stay motivated.
Ideally, you should have a variety of ways to practice the language throughout your day. For example, during your commute, you could listen to a podcast. While having lunch, watch a YouTube video. Later at home, take a couple of grammar lessons. And when you’re waiting in line or have a few spare minutes, use an app to review vocabulary. Each tool should fit naturally into your routine, making learning a continuous process.
11. Leave your comfort zone
It’s tempting to stick to what feels easy and familiar, but stepping outside your comfort zone is where the real growth happens.
Push yourself to try things that feel a little intimidating. Start conversations with native speakers, even if you’re unsure of your grammar. Join language meetups or discussion groups where you’ll need to think and respond quickly. It might feel awkward at first, but the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also valuable learning opportunities. Every mistake teaches you something new, whether it’s a tricky grammar rule or a more natural way to phrase something.
12. Stay consistent
It’s easy to start a new endeavor with enthusiasm, but keeping the momentum going can be a challenge. We’ve all started a fitness routine, only to abandon it when life got busy. Language learning is no different, and skipping days can derail your progress faster than you think.
The key to learning languages is consistency, even on busy days or when you feel unmotivated. You don’t need to commit hours, but make sure you do something every day. Maybe it’s reviewing vocabulary on an app or listening to a five-minute podcast in your target language. A small step is better than an empty day where nothing gets done.
One of the best ways to stay consistent is building habits. Try setting a cornerstone habit, like scheduling weekly lessons with a tutor or dedicating time each day to reading in your target language. Around this, add smaller, flexible actions that fit your day, like watching a video during lunch or practicing a few sentences while waiting in line. Over time, these activities should become a natural part of your routine.
13. Set realistic short-term goals
Learning a language is a huge task, and it can feel overwhelming or even unachievable at times. To make it manageable, it’s crucial to break your journey into smaller segments with clear goals.
One of the most effective ways to set goals is the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to learn French,” focus on smaller, actionable steps like “Learn 50 new vocabulary words this week” or “Have a five-minute conversation in French by the end of the month.” These focused goals provide clear direction and measurable milestones to keep you on track.
Tests can also be great milestones to work toward. Whether it’s an official proficiency test or an online grammar quiz, they provide a way to measure your progress and a reason to celebrate your achievements.
14. Understand that “fast” is a relative term
The internet is full of flashy secret methods promising to teach you a language in mere days. But the truth is, there’s no magic shortcut to mastering a language. Languages are big and complex, and real progress takes time. We even know how much.
The Foreign Service Institute, which has been teaching US diplomats languages for over 70 years, estimates it takes about 750 hours on average to achieve professional proficiency in languages similar to English, such as Spanish, French, or Italian. For harder languages like Mandarin, Japanese, or Arabic, this number can climb to 2200 hours (interestingly, these are also some of the most spoken languages).
Unfortunately, there’s no way to become fluent faster. The best thing you can do is follow the best practices from this article and prepare for a long, interesting road ahead.
