Mastering another language is a mindset.

Vocabulary is the toolkit to get there.

The bigger your toolkit, the more confident you are.

The question then becomes: how to get more of it?

As science has shown: reading.

It’s pretty self explanatory: the more you read, the more words you see and the larger your vocabulary becomes.

But there’s a catch.

The difference between passive and active reading.

In other words: reading to understand x reading to speak better.

If you want the latter, you need to read actively.

That means looking up every word you don’t know, considering if it’s useful and writing it down if it is.

Learning is always active, there’s no way around it.

So if that’s the improvement you want, you came to the right place.

Let’s start.

First, you need to understand something:

Passive reading is like scrolling.

It’s skimming and hoping words somehow stick.

Spoiler: they don’t.

Active reading is intentional.

It’s searching, learning, and locking words into memory.

Here’s the process:

1. Spot the unknown words.
2. Look them up immediately. Don’t guess. Don’t ignore.
3. Write them down.
   • Word + Translation + Example sentence + Review it later.

Simple.

Efficient.

Unstoppable.

In my opinion after years of learning multiple languages, here are the best tools to use in order to pull this off:

1. ChatGPT (or another AI of your preference)

AI supercharges your learning if you use it right.

It adapts to your level, profession and hobbies.

Here are a few ways to use it:

1. Create specialized content.
   • Example: “Write a 300-word text about the gaming market in Spanish.”
2. Practice specific vocabulary.
   • Example: “Give me 10 sentences using ‘resilient’ in a business context.”
3. Simulate real conversations.
   • Example: “Talk to me in (language you’re learning) about architecture. Correct my mistakes and explain why it’s wrong.”
4. Build custom word lists.
   • Example: “Give me 15 words that are useful for those who work with social media marketing with their definitions and examples.”
5. Translate and refine.
   • Example: “Translate this French article, highlight the keywords in it and explain how to use them.”

AI is here to help you, so use it!

2. Make it a habit.

Your habits build who you are.

The more you read, the less it’ll feel like work.

Here’s how to make it stick:

• Start small. Ten minutes a day.
• Upgrade your attention span. You might not be able to read for long now because the reward system in your brain is fried after years of cheap dopamine from TikTok, Instagram, YouTube etc. Spend less time there and start doing harder things like going to the gym, going for walks, sleeping earlier etc. All of these increase attention span and will help your focus improve tons.
• Read what you love. Don’t read just what you’re “supposed to”. Read whatever grabs your attention the most. Sci-fi. Sports. Travel blogs. Whatever excites you. If it’s interesting, you’ll keep going.
• Track progress. Make 2 lists: one with the new words you’ve learned and one with words you noticed you tend to forget. Check them at least once a week and you’ll clearly notice improvements.

3. Use optimized reading platforms

1. Quora

• Why Quora? It’s made with real people asking real questions about genuine interests. You’ll see native speakers writing like they always do and talking about the things you’re interested in.
• How to Use: follow topics you’re passionate about in your target language and translate the questions and answers. The more you do that, the faster you’ll learn.

2. Reddit

• Why Reddit? The communities (subreddits) allow you to dive deep into various topics while interacting with native speakers too.
• How to Use: Subscribe to subreddits in your target language. For instance, join r/france if you’re learning French, or r/espanol for Spanish. Read posts, comments, and take note of common phrases or colloquialisms.

3. X (formerly Twitter)

• Why X? Its bite-sized content makes it easy to consume and keeps you updated on current trends.
• How to Use: Follow influencers, news outlets, or niche accounts in your target language. Pay attention to hashtags and trending topics to discover new vocabulary.
• How to Find Them: Look up the keywords pertaining to your interests, but in the language you’re learning. Tons of tweets and accounts will pop up and you’ll just have to follow them.

4. Kindle and E-Books

• Why Kindle? The built-in dictionary and translation tools make it perfect for learning.
• How to Use: Highlight unknown words as you read for easy reviewing afterwards. Choose books that are slightly above your current reading level to be challenged.

5. Blogs and News Websites

• Why Blogs? They offer informal, conversational content.
• Why News? It helps you learn formal, precise language and expands your vocabulary with current events.
• How to Use: Bookmark blogs and news sites relevant to your interests. Spend 10–15 minutes daily reading articles and writing down unfamiliar words.

It doesn’t have to suck.

It needs to be entertaining.

To really keep your attention.

When learning feels normal, fluency is inevitable.

It becomes a matter of time.

And I hope it is for you now.

Learn on, my friend.