Train Your Brain to Think in Another Language

It's often said that thinking in a foreign language indicates true fluency. However, you might not know that it's considered the fifth essential language skill for learners to master—joining speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Actually, thinking in a foreign language can be a direct route to achieving fluency, not just a consequence of it. And similar to other language abilities, learning to think in your target language is entirely possible; it simply requires consistent practice.

1. Translate Your Thoughts

You might have considered this approach, right? While it appears to be the most straightforward step, not everyone attempts it. Some individuals think in images or numbers, meaning they don't constantly have streams of words running through their minds.

If you don't already mentally describe your life, begin doing it intentionally! This active practice is where you'll see the most improvement.

When you recall past conversations, translate them. When planning your day, translate your thoughts. When you're frustrated with the weather, your neighbors, or a long queue at the store… translate those thoughts too!

• Begin by identifying objects around you. When you notice a tree, think of its name in your target language. If the correct term doesn't come to mind, think of words like "green," "wood," or any other descriptors. Apply the same method to buildings, animals, clothes, or anything else. If your vocabulary is quite limited, try counting people, animals, or items in your head. Every bit of practice is beneficial!
• Verify everything you translate, either by consulting a native speaker or searching the phrase online in quotation marks to check if it's commonly used by native speakers.
• If you're unsure how to express a thought, create a simple alternative that you're confident is correct. Since you think far more often than you speak or write, it's easy to develop incorrect habits—that's why confirming your language use remains crucial. Concrete nouns, verbs, and adjectives are usually simple to translate, but idiomatic expressions can be more challenging, so be particularly careful to use the right idioms and phrases.

2. Start Using Monolingual Dictionaries

A monolingual dictionary provides definitions in the target language itself, rather than translating words to or from your native tongue. It's similar to using a dictionary in your first language.

Incorporating a monolingual dictionary can be a significant milestone in your language learning process because it means you're using the language to learn, rather than relying on the structure of your native language.

Keep in mind that monolingual dictionaries are most effective when you've reached an intermediate or advanced level, where you can comprehend a standard novel or understand formal news broadcasts. Otherwise, you might spend excessive time looking up words within definitions—though that can also be a useful activity.

• Locate a reliable monolingual dictionary! WordReference offers an excellent online Spanish-Spanish dictionary (along with monolingual choices for other languages). I've used Larousse for French myself. A simple search for "dictionary" in your target language will yield results, but quality matters, so consider asking other learners on platforms such as Quora or language learning forums.
• Utilize flashcards. Monolingual dictionaries pair well with sentence flashcards on a Spaced Repetition System (SRS). Each flashcard can display a full sentence on the front, and you can use your dictionary to define unfamiliar words on the back. You can include further definitions if the original ones contain unknown terms. If a definition is too complex (like for "oak" or "ladder"—simple ideas with complicated explanations), add an image to grasp the meaning without English interference!

3. Write in a Journal

Journaling involves recording your thoughts, which helps develop the habit of thinking in your target language, particularly if you find direct thinking challenging at first.

Essentially, it's another method to practice Step #1, but it's done at a slower pace and in one location where you can reference materials. It's also a good alternative if you have a busy schedule and can't easily pause to think deliberately in your target language. Plus, it serves as writing practice!

I realized this during my Spanish writing practice—I noticed myself thinking in Spanish for a while after finishing a brief writing session and setting my pen aside. Dedicating time to carefully forming thoughts in Spanish definitely helped me enter that mental space of thinking in the language.

• Attempt writing a daily monologue. This can cover anything on your mind! Topics about your job, your family—anything works. Opinions are also great because you might have plenty to say about them. You can simply maintain a diary in your target language!
• Receive corrections and feedback from native speakers and other learners on platforms like italki. On italki, you can even book a private tutor for one-on-one sessions to get detailed feedback. However you obtain them, corrections will prevent you from reinforcing errors in your memory.
• Keep a private, physical journal. It's a wonderful respite from online-heavy language learning, and the privacy allows you to write freely about any subject!

4. Read More First Person Literature

Reading plays a vital role in language acquisition. First-person books, in particular, offer direct advantages for thinking in the language.

Clearly, first-person narratives provide access to the protagonist's thoughts—you get to read someone else's internal monologue to help shape your own! How great is that?

For those tricky idioms and phrases from Step #1, books offer solutions. You'll discover how native speakers convey abstract ideas, which vocabulary they select, and how they use it.

• Explore young adult fiction! Why this genre? Because books for this age group frequently use first-person perspective, and the language tends to be casual and realistic. Even if you don't typically read books for this age group, I strongly suggest trying them for this specific goal (and you might discover some new favorites along the way).
• Consider reading translations of books you've already read. These work exceptionally well because you already have the essential context that makes understanding a foreign language much simpler. If you need suggestions, I recommend translations of the "Percy Jackson" series or "The Hunger Games." Both are popular (and therefore widely translated) and feature engaging stories. To find the translated titles, translate the Wikipedia page into your target language, then search for the title on Amazon.
• Aim to read for 20 minutes daily to build the habit of thinking in your target language. Soon enough, you'll start remembering frequently encountered phrases, but to accelerate the process, use your SRS again. Input sentences or expressions you believe you'd use in your own thoughts, and with time, you won't forget them!

5. Immerse Yourself in Native Content

An excellent method to begin thinking in your target language is to immerse yourself in content created by native speakers. This includes visual and audio media like films and TV series, as well as written materials like news articles.

Surrounding yourself with native content will expose you to the language as it's naturally used by native speakers in various situations.

• Watch your favorite films or TV shows in your target language. Numerous platforms provide a wide selection of content in different languages, such as Netflix. If you're new to watching content in your target language, starting with something familiar can be helpful. For an added challenge, try watching an original film produced in your target language.
• Read news articles in your target language. As mentioned earlier, reading in your target language is a fantastic way to train your brain to think in it and learn new language within context. However, this isn't limited to fiction. Reading the news in your target language keeps you informed about current events while also promoting thinking in the language.
• Use language immersion platforms to surround yourself with the language while receiving support. For instance, the Lingflix program provides various videos with interactive subtitles, allowing you to learn vocabulary directly from the content. Lingflix uses authentic videos—such as music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and transforms them into personalized language lessons. You can try Lingflix free for two weeks. Visit the website or download the iOS or Android app. P.S. Click here to check out our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

6. Listen and Sing Along to Songs in Your Target Language

In addition to immersing yourself in native content like movies and TV shows, songs can also serve as effective learning tools.

They offer an enjoyable way to actively listen to the language and acquire new vocabulary, while also encouraging thinking in the language. Instead of translating the lyrics, you'll begin to grasp their meaning directly without reverting to your native language.

• Look for well-known artists who perform in your target language. If you're new to music in your target language, a simple Google search for popular artists who sing in that language can provide a good starting point. If you have a preferred music genre, include that in your search!
• Use YouTube to find music. Fortunately, most songs are readily available on YouTube nowadays.
• Listen to the music attentively. While passive listening is still useful, active listening helps you concentrate on the lyrics and their meaning.

7. Carry Out Your Daily Activities in Your Target Language

One of the best aspects of this strategy is that it requires minimal changes to your routine. You'll be doing the same activities, just in your target language!

From writing your to-do list or grocery list in your target language to reading the news or finding an exercise video on YouTube in that language, the possibilities are endless!

• Write your shopping list in your target language. This activity is practical because it tests your language knowledge and reveals any vocabulary gaps, while also promoting thinking in the language and making connections while you shop. If you're learning Spanish and need to buy bread, write "pan" on your list. For French, write "pain." Whatever language you're learning, this is a straightforward activity to actively think in it.
• Write your to-do list in the target language. For an additional challenge, write your daily tasks in your target language. This will not only help you stay organized but also expand your vocabulary and thinking practice as you complete various activities.

8. Use Labels to Prompt Your Thoughts

What better method to learn to think in your target language than by labeling your surroundings with it?

Labels are a useful resource because you can customize them to your specific language needs. For example, if you're learning household or food vocabulary, place labels on furniture or food packages in your cabinets. Every time you walk by or open a cabinet, you'll encounter the vocabulary.

You can use them not only for vocabulary but also to encourage mental narration. See the steps below for using labels to describe your morning routine.

• Place labels to prompt your thoughts during your morning routine. Write relevant vocabulary or phrases in your target language on labels, position them in appropriate spots, and say them aloud as you go through your routine. This will help you associate the vocabulary with your actions.
• Cover the labels and attempt to narrate your actions from memory when you feel ready. If you're using sticky notes, you can place a blank one over the original and remove it if needed. This encourages you to think before looking at the vocabulary.
• Remove the labels and challenge yourself to describe what you're doing in your target language from the moment you wake up. Taking off the labels is a key step in your journey to thinking in your target language and can assess your skills. If you can easily narrate your actions without labels, you're prepared to advance to another aspect of thinking in the language. If not, you'll identify areas needing more work.

9. Practice Speaking in Your Target Language With Native Speakers

Speaking is an excellent way to start thinking in your target language. Unlike writing, where we have time to ponder our word choice, grammar, and structure, speaking requires immediate responses. This forces you to think and respond in the language spontaneously.

• Look for local language exchanges. Depending on your location, you might find various language exchange events. You can check websites like Facebook and Meetup for local gatherings. This is not only a great way to practice the language but also to make new friends!
• Use online language exchange platforms. If you can't find in-person language exchanges for your target language, don't worry! Numerous apps and websites connect you with native speakers for practice.

And that's it! By following these nine steps, you'll move beyond the awkward mental translating you've been doing.

You'll be on your path to thinking in your target language and making it your own.

Once you become comfortable thinking in the language, everything else becomes much easier!