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Guide • Vocabulary

Spaced repetition for busy adults: a 10 minute vocab loop

I learned a word on Monday, forgot it on Wednesday, then learned it again on Friday. Spaced repetition fixed that. It also fit into a normal work week.

The research is clear. Short reviews spaced over time beat cramming. The only question is how to do it when you have a job, a commute, and no energy.

TL;DR: Learn a tiny set, review tomorrow, review again next week, then use it in real life.

What to do today: Pick three phrases you will need this week and review them for five minutes.

Why spacing works when you are busy

Spaced repetition works because your brain forgets on a curve. If you review right before you forget, the memory gets stronger. It is boring and effective.

This is why a quick five minute review tomorrow often beats a one hour cram on Sunday.

The schedule that actually fits a week

You do not need a perfect algorithm. You need a repeatable rhythm.

  • Day 1: learn 3 to 5 new phrases.
  • Day 2: review yesterday for five minutes.
  • Day 4: review again for five minutes.
  • Day 7: use one phrase in real life.
  • Day 14: quick check if it still feels natural.

If you use an SRS app, this happens automatically. If you do not, a simple calendar reminder works.

Tools that work, even if you are busy

I use Anki for custom cards and Bunpro for grammar reviews. They are not fancy, but they work.

TabiTalk is different. I use it for the real life layer. I learn a phrase in Anki, then run it in a short Scenario drill so it does not stay on a flashcard.

Example week: clinic check in

I used these phrases at a clinic near my apartment. They were enough to get through the first minute without panic.

I have an appointment.

The receptionist is waiting to hear this or a name.

My name is ...

You can say this slowly while pointing to a card or a form.

I feel sick.

A simple, polite way to explain why you are there.

Reception: yoyaku wa arimasu ka? (予約はありますか？)

Me: yoyaku ga arimasu. namae wa Ken desu. (予約があります。名前はケンです。)

Day 1 I learned the three lines. Day 2 I reviewed them. Day 6 I used them in real life.

How to build a good card

A good card is short, clear, and tied to a real moment.

  • Front: "I have an appointment."
  • Back: yoyaku ga arimasu. 予約があります。
  • Audio: optional but helpful for pronunciation.

Here is what not to do.

  • Bad front: "Clinic phrases"
  • Bad back: 予約があります。名前は...です。気分が悪いです。
  • Why it is bad: It is too much at once, and you cannot tell what you forgot.

I avoid long lists. Three strong cards beat twenty weak ones.

Common mistakes I made

  • Adding too many new cards in one day.
  • Skipping reviews because new cards feel more fun.
  • Only doing recognition cards instead of recall.

Related guides to practise with

Sources

If you want spaced reviews with real life scenarios

TabiTalk makes it easy to repeat short scenarios and keep the spacing consistent. You can try it on iOS or Android.