There really isn't a short cut to memorizing, however these few steps have worked fine for me. 1. Mapping - I am presently learning Korean language and I realized that when I am able to link the sound of a new word to a scenario or a word in my mother tongue, I tend to remember it faster. 2. Memorizing words in isolation is also tedious, thus not highly recommended. As much as possible try to memorize interesting and funny sentences or phrases. You learn both words and grammar at the same time by this method. 3. Use what you have learned. Over time i realize that when I work out to develop muscles and I do not put them to use, I loose it all again. It is the same with memorizing words. If you do not use them in real conversations, you easily forget them too. I hope these help. If you find a better approach I will be glad to give it (them) a try. All the best.