The Number One Habit for Building Vocabulary: Make Your Own Dictionary

Want to know one thing that almost every high-achieving TOEIC student does?

Ask any serious TOEIC student how they build their vocabulary, and you’ll hear the same answer again and again:
They keep their own English-to-English dictionary.

Not an app.
Not a list on their phone.
A handwritten notebook — filled with new words, personal definitions, and short examples.
Reviewed regularly. Used with purpose.

What It Is

When you come across a new word, phrase, or idiom:

  • Write it down — by hand

  • Define it in simple English

  • Add a short sentence if you can

  • Do not translate into Japanese

This notebook becomes your personal dictionary — built for your brain.

Why It Works

When you explain a word in English, using words you already know,

you create synaptic connections — links between old knowledge and new.

That’s how the brain remembers.

Writing by hand also activates kinesthetic memory.
It’s physical. You feel it. You store it.

But here’s the real secret:
Review the word within 12 hours, then again within 24 hours.

Why?
Because your brain has a limited window to decide what’s important.
Reviewing soon after learning tells your brain:
👉 “This matters — keep it.”
And that’s how short-term memory becomes long-term memory.

Group new words by synonyms or themes (like money, emotions, or movement).
This strengthens your mental network — so you can recall faster and more naturally.

Make It a Habit

The best students don’t just write words down.
They interact with them.
They flip back through pages.
They ask questions.
They use new words within a few days of learning them.

This habit builds retention, recall, and confidence.

Try This:

  • 📘 Keep a small notebook just for new vocabulary

  • ✏️ Write each word, its definition (in English), and an example

  • 🔁 Review it within 12 hours, and again the next day

  • 🔗 Group words by meaning or topic

  • 💬 Use each word in conversation or writing within 3 days

If you’re serious about your TOEIC score, this is one of the top habits to build.
It’s simple. It’s powerful. And it works.

A young Japanese woman writing English vocabulary into a worn notebook at a café while listening to a podcast — showing confidence and focused study habits.
✅ Sakura Bilingual FAQ (English only, hidden) Q: Why should I make my own English-to-English dictionary instead of just using an app? A: Writing by hand activates your brain in a different way. It builds stronger memory through physical action and helps you connect new words to what you already know. Q: Can I write the Japanese meaning too? A: It's better not to. Defining words in English strengthens your understanding and helps you think in English. This improves recall and test performance. Q: How often should I review new words? A: Review the word within 12 hours, and again within 24 hours. This tells your brain the word is important and helps move it into long-term memory. Q: What kind of notebook should I use? A: Any small notebook that you can carry with you. It’s important that it’s physical and handwritten — not on your phone. Q: How should I organise the words? A: Group similar words together (by meaning or theme). For example, put all "money" or "emotion" words on the same page. This makes it easier to remember and recall. Q: How can I use this to prepare for the TOEIC test? A: Use words from your notebook in practice sentences or when answering Part 2/Part 6 questions. The more you use them, the more natural they become.