How to Learn 2 Languages at the Same Time
With my experience of learning multiple languages at the same time, I revisit my thoughts and advice on this popular question.
What are the best ways to approach learning two languages? How do you best manage your time?
I do my best to answer these questions in today’s episode while sharing some different examples and methods that suit different people.
Episode Summary
🌍 How to Learn Two Languages at Once
Trying to study two languages at the same time is possible—but it comes with challenges. Here's what to know before you begin, along with some strategies and personal reflections.
⚠️ Things to Consider First
- It's a sacrifice: Every new task or commitment takes time and energy from somewhere else. Be honest about your capacity.
- Know your motivation: Without clear reasons for learning both languages, it’s easy to lose interest or momentum.
- Starting both from zero is tough: This can lead to fast burnout and frustration—consider getting one to a stable level first.
- Similar languages can confuse you: At first, they might blend together, but your brain will eventually separate them with practice.
✅ How to Do It Well
- Focus on one at a time: Many learners build one to a conversational level before seriously starting another.
- Separate them: Use different times of day, places, or study methods for each language to keep them mentally distinct. (Like my Chinese meetup at IKEA café!)
- Plan clearly: Be specific—when, how often, and how long will you study each language?
- Prioritise one: A common strategy is 80/20 focus. 50/50 can be overwhelming and hard to maintain.
- Start small: Don’t overload yourself with huge goals. Build gradually.
- Routine options: Alternate days, or do a bit of each language daily (but this can feel shallow).
- Maintenance strategy: Actively study one language while using light review for the other (like flashcards or podcasts).
📝 My Experience
- Japanese break: I paused Japanese to focus on Chinese for a year. My Japanese dropped, but it returned faster than learning from scratch.
- Track your time: Recording how much time I spent showed me surprising results—more Japanese than expected!
- Alternating works for me: It allows for deeper focus. I still use flashcards daily for both so neither gets neglected.
- Realistic workload: With work and other life commitments, it’s nearly impossible to go all-in on two languages at once.
- Split personalities: Each language brings out a different side of me—leaning into that helps keep them separate.
- Shifting focus: Depending on travel plans or life events, my focus naturally changes between languages.
- Motivation: Things like exams (e.g. JLPT) and upcoming trips really help keep me motivated.
- Where I can improve: I’d like to replace some “study time” with more real-life use—like socialising in the language more.
⭐️ Transcript & Bonus Lesson
Preview: Let's take a look at the transcript to improve our vocabulary and listening skills. Watch the live transcript below or click to open in a new window.
Key phrases with natural examples, ability to search for text, PDF copies too.
Have you tried learning 2 languages at once before?
Comment your thoughts below.
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I’ve been listening to your podcast for several years. As a matter of fact, i’ve listened to all episodes, and each one at least twice. Thank you for your work.
As to this episode, I was surprised that you did not say anything about laddering. This is when you learn new foreign language not using you native language but another foreign language that you already know pretty well. I have no experience of my own, but know several guys who did this, and some of them say it not only helps keep first language at high level, but it is a good way to get rid of the habit to translate everything into your true native language.
Hi Dmitry. That’s awesome! Thank you so much for listening for such a long time 🤩
Laddering is an interesting concept! To be honest, (1) I didn’t think of it, and (2) I’ve never tried it! So I don’t actually have an opinion on it. I can imagine it works well though as you said. I wonder if it matters what the 2 languages are. I would be worried that two similar languages (like Japanese and Chinese) might be mixed up in the brain more easily when laddering. I wonder if it works better for languages from different families.
Anyway, I may do an episode on this in the future, or see if I can ask a guest. Thanks!