DJC3 - Day 3 - Learning Languages
Which Words Should You Learn First in English?
Start with the essentials: the words that let you communicate from day one.
When learning English, it’s not necessary to memorize endless vocabulary lists from the start. The most effective strategy is to focus on words and phrases that are useful, frequent, and practical, allowing interaction in everyday situations and laying a solid foundation to expand your knowledge.
Key Word Categories to Start With
1. Greetings and Basic Expressions
Essential for introducing yourself, starting conversations, and showing politeness:
- Hello / Hi
- Goodbye / Bye
- Please
- Thank you
- Excuse me / Sorry
2. Pronouns and Basic Verbs
Help build simple sentences:
- I, you, he, she, we, they (pronouns)
- Be, have, do, go, eat, drink, like (common verbs)
3. Numbers and Days of the Week
Allow you to talk about time, quantities, and organize activities:
- One, two, three…
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday…
4. Words for Daily Life
Objects, food, places, and common actions help navigate everyday situations:
- Water, food, house, school, store
- Sit, stand, walk, read, write
5. Survival Phrases
Formulas to ask for help or information:
- How much is this?
- Where is…?
- I don’t understand
- Can you help me?
Strategies to Memorize These Words
- Learn in context: build simple sentences instead of memorizing isolated words.
- Daily repetition: use flashcards or vocabulary apps.
- Integrate into daily life: label objects at home, speak out loud, or practice with friends.
- Combine with active listening: listening to songs, podcasts, or videos in English helps remember pronunciation and proper usage.
Learning the most frequent and useful words first allows you to communicate from the start, gain confidence, and build a solid foundation to expand your vocabulary quickly and effectively.
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- Which Words Should You Learn First in English?