When preparing for the JLPT or EJU exams, many people purchase vocabulary textbooks. However, based on our experience, simply memorizing words from a textbook does not always lead to long-term retention.
In language learning, the most important factor is not just "memory" but "retention." To ensure vocabulary retention, it is highly effective to create your own personalized vocabulary list.
In this blog, we will explain in detail how to use Notion to create a vocabulary list. If you want to study more efficiently and make vocabulary learning enjoyable, this article is for you!
Table of Contents
Collecting Vocabulary from Conversation Lessons, Reading, and Listening Exercises
Creating a Vocabulary List with Notion
Why We Recommend Notion
How to Make a Vocabulary List in Notion
Summary
1. Collecting Vocabulary from Conversation Lessons, Reading, and Listening Exercises
While vocabulary textbooks cover necessary words for the exam, it is unrealistic to memorize everything at once. Therefore, an effective approach is to pick up new words from daily conversations, lessons, and reading or listening exercises to build your own vocabulary list.
By following these three methods, you can naturally gather important vocabulary:
[How to Collect Useful Vocabulary]
1.1 Record New Words from Conversation Lessons
Whenever you come across new words during a conversation with your teacher or a language partner, write them down immediately.
1.2 Pick Up Words from Reading and Listening Exercises
While solving problems, if you come across a word and think, "I didn’t know this!", make sure to note it down.
💡 Tip:Don’t just write the word—also record how it was used in context.
Example:"In a newspaper reading exercise, I found the word '報道 (ほうどう, hōdō)' which relates to writing news articles."
1.3 Create Your Own Example Sentences
Instead of relying solely on example sentences from textbooks or teachers, make your own personalized sentences to better remember new words.
📌 Example Sentences:
慎重な人が成功するという話を聞いた。
(I heard that careful people tend to succeed.)
毎朝ニュースの報道 をチェックしている。
(I check the news reports every morning.)
Tips for Organizing Your Vocabulary List:
✔ Write down new words and expressions immediately! ✔ Group related words together (e.g., "Business Vocabulary," "Daily Conversation," etc.) ✔ Include example sentences, not just definitions. ✔ Review and update regularly (delete words you have learned and add new ones).
2. Creating a Vocabulary List with Notion
There are various tools for making vocabulary lists, such as paper notebooks, Excel, and mobile apps (Quizlet, Anki, etc.). While each has its advantages, we recommend Notion!
Notion is incredibly versatile and flexible, making it a great choice for organizing vocabulary lists. Let’s explore why.
3. Why We Recommend Notion
3.1 Free to Use
Notion offers basic features for free, with a highly user-friendly design and functionality.
3.2 All-in-One System for Easy Organization
You can store vocabulary lists, example sentences, and categorized tags (e.g., topic-based words) all in one place, keeping your study materials well-organized.
3.3 Useful Beyond Language Learning
Notion is not just for vocabulary lists! You can also use it to:
✔ Summarize articles you read for reading practice.
✔ Manage your study schedule.
✔ Organize notes for exam preparation.
This allows you to review other study materials while checking your vocabulary list!
3.4 Accessible from Any Device
Since Notion is cloud-based, you can access it from your smartphone, PC, or tablet. This means you can review vocabulary lists on your phone while commuting or use your PC to create and edit lists at home.
4. How to Make a Vocabulary List in Notion
Step 1: Open Notion
Step 2: Create a New Page
Step 3: Set Up Your Vocabulary List
Such as... ✔ Word
✔ Meaning
✔ Example Sentence
✔ Category (e.g., Business, Daily Life, JLPT N2, etc.)
5. Summary
When learning vocabulary, it’s not just about memorization—it’s about retention! Using Notion to organize and regularly review vocabulary lists will help you improve your language skills efficiently.
You can try Notion for free here:👉 https://www.notion.com/
📢 J-CALP offers online Japanese lessons for study abroad and job seekers!
We provide courses for:
✔ EJU Preparation
✔ Business Japanese
✔ Statement of Purpose & Essay Writing
✔ Interview Preparation
📩 Contact us or sign up for a trial lesson today!
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