How to learn 20 new Italian words every week…(and remember them forever!)
Learning new vocabulary is one of the quickest ways to start understanding and speaking Italian. But how can you make sure the words you learn today don’t disappear from your memory tomorrow? The secret is using the right techniques! In this post, I’ll show you a simple and effective way to learn 20 new Italian words in just one week—and remember them forever.
I have also prepared for you three lists of selected words to start from: 100 most common Italian nouns, 50 most common Italian regular verbs and the 13 most common irregular verbs.
Step 1: Choose the right words
Before you start memorising, it’s important to choose the right words. Focus on vocabulary that you’ll actually use in conversations. In other words use high-frequency words that are popping up all the time and that are most commonly used.
To make learning easier, group words by theme. For example, at the beginner level, start with words like il pane (bread), il formaggio (cheese), and il caffè (coffee). This will help you create natural associations between words.
To starting you out, here are my three lists of words ideal if you are a beginner or even an advanced beginner:
Your first
Step 2: Use the keyword method
A great way to remember new words is to link them to something familiar. The keyword method helps you associate an Italian word with an image or a similar-sounding word in English.
For example, to remember Amico → Arm echo – Picture shouting “Amico!” into a canyon and hearing the echo bounce back like a friendly reply.
Step 3: Create flashcards
Flashcards are a powerful tool for memorisation. Write the Italian word on one side and the English translation on the other. If you prefer digital tools, apps like Anki or Quizlet allow you to add images and audio for even better recall.
Review your flashcards regularly, shuffling them each time so your brain doesn’t just memorise the order!
Step 4: Learn in context
Instead of just memorising isolated words, use them in sentences. When you learn mangiare (to eat), for example, don’t just repeat the word—make a simple sentence like Mangio la pizza con gli amici (I eat pizza with my friends).
This method helps you remember not just the meaning of a word but also how to use it correctly in conversation.
Step 5: Repeat with the spaced repetition technique
Repetition is key to memorisation, but not all repetition is effective. The spaced repetition technique helps you review words at increasing intervals (e.g., Day 1, Day 3, Day 7). This prevents cramming and helps store the words in your long-term memory.
You can use apps to schedule reviews or simply write a reminder in your notebook.
Step 6: Use the words in your classroom
The best way to remember new vocabulary is to put it into practice. If you’re attending an Italian class, challenge yourself to use your new words when speaking or writing. Try incorporating them into roleplays, exercises, or even when asking your teacher questions.
Are you looking for an Italian speaking class at your actual level? Book your free trial here.
If you’re learning on your own, you can still use them in written assignments or by recording yourself speaking.
Step 7: Read books for beginners
One of the fastest ways to build vocabulary—even as a complete beginner—is through graded readers. These books use a limited number of words to tell engaging stories, making them fun and easy to follow no matter your level. Reading in Italian helps you see words in context, reinforcing their meaning and usage naturally.
If you’d like to give it a try, check out this list of graded books for beginners and beyond.
Step 8: Play more!
Learning vocabulary should be enjoyable! Make it fun by playing games that challenge you to use new words creatively. Try:
- Playing with Scrabble tiles and make up Italian words with the letters.
- Use boggle and do the same with the dice.
- Use Story Dice for telling simple stories and using the vocabulary learnt.
- Watching Italian cartoons for children (or more complex videos at higher levels) and trying to write down a few words you recognise.
- Practise with online word games. Here are three Wordwall games to test your vocabulary:
Try them out and see how many words you can remember! 😊
To sum up
With these simple techniques, you’ll be able to learn and remember 20 new Italian words in one week without problems. The key is to be consistent and to make learning engaging. Keep challenging yourself, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly your vocabulary grows!
Have you tried any of these methods before? Let me know.
