ChatGPT 4o reveals the BEST method to study Chinese vocabulary

As someone who's been teaching languages for years—both in China and Canada—I'm always looking for new methods to make language learning easier and more effective. Recently, I decided to ask ChatGPT, the AI tool, for advice on the best way to learn vocabulary in any language, be it Chinese, English, or anything else. I was curious to see what tips ChatGPT would offer, and whether they aligned with my own experience as a certified language teacher.

In a previous video, I showed how you can use ChatGPT to practice speaking skills. (If you missed it, you can check it out [here].) But today, we’re going to focus on vocabulary—specifically, how to learn it in a more effective way.

Let's use Chinese as an example. I’ll walk you through what ChatGPT suggested and add my take as a teacher. Plus, I’ll give you a prompt you can use to get similar results for your own language learning.

 

Video Version of the blog:

 

Step 1: The Prompt I Used

Before we dive in, here's the prompt I gave ChatGPT.

"I am a beginner in learning Chinese, and I find it very difficult to memorize vocabulary. I'd like you to guide me, as a professional language teacher, on how to learn vocabulary efficiently and quickly. For example, I am learning basic phrases for traveling, and I come across a word that I don't understand. In your guidance, I want you to walk me through a step-by-step process for the best result, and your answer should follow the way the human brain works and explain the best study methods for vocabulary acquisition."

One thing I always recommend when using ChatGPT is to be specific about who you are and what you need. For this scenario, I told ChatGPT I was a beginner learning Chinese and that I found memorizing vocabulary tough. Then, I asked ChatGPT to act as a professional language teacher and guide me.

What ChatGPT Suggested

  1. Contextual Learning ChatGPT suggested learning vocabulary in real-life contexts, starting with practical phrases for situations like traveling. For example, instead of just learning the word for “train station” (火车站), you learn it in a sentence: “火车站在哪里?” (Where is the train station?). This is spot on—context is king when learning vocab. It’s much more effective than memorizing isolated words from a list.

  2. Mnemonics Next, ChatGPT recommended using mnemonics. That means linking new words to something familiar, helping your brain make connections. ChatGPT gave the example of visualizing a fiery train (火车) arriving at a station (站). Now, while the example wasn’t perfect, the principle is good. I would add that visualization is just one of nine types of mnemonics, so if you’re interested, I can dive deeper into those in another video.

  3. Repetition and Spaced Repetition This one’s a classic. ChatGPT explained that reviewing new words daily with tools like flashcards or apps (Anki is a great one) helps solidify your memory over time. I personally think apps are super convenient—you can whip out your phone anytime and practice.

  4. Engage Multiple Senses Another solid tip: involve multiple senses. Write the word, listen to its pronunciation, and say it out loud. In my experience, speaking is the most effective way to internalize new words. Think about it—how often are you going to write more than you speak? Probably not much. And if you can speak, you’re likely able to write as well.

  5. Chunking ChatGPT suggested grouping related words, like learning all the transportation-related words together (train, station, taxi, etc.). This is another great tip. That’s why most textbooks are structured this way—to help learners absorb vocabulary in meaningful chunks.

  6. Practice in Context Finally, ChatGPT recommended role-playing real-life scenarios. For example, act out a scene where you ask for directions to the train station in Chinese. I used to practice conversations in my head or even during shower time. You don’t always have a language partner around, but you can simulate conversations on your own whenever you have a moment. It’s an amazing way to keep words fresh in your mind.

My Take on ChatGPT’s Suggestions

So, what do I think of ChatGPT’s answers? Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. This is exactly how I would approach vocabulary learning with my own students. By learning words in context, using repetition, and practicing in real-life scenarios, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Of course, ChatGPT has its limitations—some translations weren’t perfect—but overall, its advice was solid. And if you’re serious about improving your language skills, these strategies will definitely help you get there.

A Bonus Tip: Use ChatGPT for Practice Exercises

Here’s one more tip for you: you can use ChatGPT to generate custom exercises for practice. For example, I asked it to create some exercises for reviewing vocabulary, and it gave me a mix of matching, fill-in-the-blank, and translation tasks. This kind of practice, combined with the strategies above, will help you build a strong foundation in no time.

Final Thoughts

Learning a language is no small feat, but with the right methods, you can make real progress. So, if you're struggling with vocabulary, give these strategies a try. And don’t forget, ChatGPT can be a fantastic resource to support your learning journey.

If this post was helpful, make sure to hit that like button, subscribe for more tips, and let me know in the comments what language you’re currently learning. See you next time!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.