Memory Hacks: Spaced Repetition
Do you learn ten new words on Monday, only to forget them by Wednesday?
Don't worry; you aren't bad at languages—you are just human!
The "Forgetting Curve" shows that we lose most of what we learn within 48 hours unless we review it.
Spaced Repetition is a memory hack that tells your brain exactly when to review a word so it stays forever.
Let’s look at how to use this in English, Danish, and Portuguese!
The 15-Minute Rule
Intensity is the enemy of memory; consistency is the hero.
Studying for 15 minutes every single day is 10 times more effective than studying for 3 hours once a week.
Your brain needs "sleep cycles" to move new words into your long-term memory!
Memory Fact: You need to see a word about 7 to 10 times in different contexts before you truly own it!
Common Memory Phrases
Here is how we talk about learning and forgetting:
| Meaning | English | Danish | Portuguese |
|---|---|---|---|
| I remember | I remember that. | Jeg husker det. | Eu me lembro disso. |
| I forgot | I forgot the word. | Jeg glemte ordet. | Eu esqueci a palavra. |
| Review | I need to review. | Jeg skal repetere. | Eu preciso revisar. |
3 Memory Hacks
- The 1-3-7 Rule: Review a new word after 1 day, then 3 days, then 7 days.
This timing tricks your brain into thinking the word is important. - Visualize: Don't just read the word; imagine a picture of it.
If you learn "Bil" (Danish) or "Carro" (Portuguese), see your own car in your mind! - Use Flashcards: Use digital tools or paper cards.
Always test yourself from your native language to the target language—it's harder, but it works better!
Time to Practice! ✍
1. The Recall Test: What was the word for "Speed" in Danish from our previous post?
(Hint: It starts with F).
2. The Portuguese Test: How do you say "I forgot" in Portuguese?
🚀 A Quick Challenge
Pick **five words** you learned this week.
Write them down on a piece of paper and put it somewhere you will see it tomorrow morning.
The first review of the day is the most powerful!
Your memory is a muscle.
The more you train it correctly, the stronger it gets.
Start practicing today!
