How to create a mnemonic

Learn how to create an effective mnemonic using the "keyword technique". 

The following has been adapted from Paul Nation's book "What do you need

to know to learn a foreign language?".

The keyword technique is one of the most effective and well-researched methods for remembering new vocabulary.

It works in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Choose a word in your first language (or another language you know) that sounds like all or part of the new word in the language you’re learning (the L2 word). This is your keyword. If you have purchased an Anki Core Deck, an English keyword is provided for you.

Step 2: Create a mental image that links the meaning of the L2 word with the meaning of the keyword. The key is to actually picture this vividly in your mind.

This means the keyword technique involves four parts:

  1. The new L2 word
  2. The keyword (a familiar word that sounds similar)
  3. A mental image combining the keyword and the L2 word’s meaning
  4. The meaning of the L2 word

If you speak Indonesian and want to remember (1) parrot, you might use the word (2) parit (“ditch” in Indonesian) as your keyword. You then imagine (3) a parrot sitting in a ditch. This helps you recall (4) the meaning of “parrot”.

The keyword technique is powerful because it makes you process multiple aspects of a word, not just repeat it mechanically. Unlike shallow repetition, it creates strong connections between form and meaning.


A few things to keep in mind:


  • The keyword doesn’t have to sound exactly like the foreign word; even a partial similarity is enough (especially at the beginning of the word).
  • The only real limit is your imagination.
  • Research shows that the keyword technique typically results in about 25% more vocabulary learned compared to other intentional learning methods.

Here is one last example.

If you speak Thai and want to learn the English word (1) council, you could use (2) khâaw săan (meaning “uncooked rice” in Thai) as the keyword. You then imagine (3) a council gathered around a pile of uncooked rice, which helps you attach (4) the meaning of “council” to the English word.