SayoSpaced repetition for language learners, explained simply
Spaced repetition means reviewing something just before you would forget it, then waiting longer each time you succeed.
The forgetting curve
After you learn a phrase, the chance you can recall it drops quickly in the first day and more slowly after that. If you review at the right moment, the memory gets stronger and the next drop is slower.
A simple schedule
| Review | Typical gap |
|---|---|
| 1st | 1 day |
| 2nd | 3 days |
| 3rd | 1 week |
| 4th | 3 weeks |
If you fail a review, the gap shrinks again. The exact numbers do not matter as much as the principle: successful recall earns a longer wait.
Avoiding flashcard fatigue
- Review phrases, not isolated words. Phrases carry grammar with them.
- Say the answer aloud before you flip the card.
- Keep reviews short. Thirty seconds a day is better than a pile you dread.
In Sayo the forgetting forecast shows which phrases are fading today, and the quick review takes about 30 seconds. Try it.