Hello, everyone! As the new year just started, we thought we could share our language learning resolutions for this year. Let’s start!

Seolhwa

The languages I want to focus on are(in order of importance for me): Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Thai and German. I might throw in a secret language, but I will probably just dabble in it. Can you guess it? Leave it in the comments.

Japanese:

• reach level 40 in Wanikani(if you are not familiar with it, it’s a kanji and vocab memorization website); I am currently on level 20
• take at least 20 speaking lessons
• read an easy novel

Korean:

• read 10 Korean novels
• retake the TOPIK exam and get at least 250 points (last time I got 230 points)

Spanish:

• restart my B1 textbook and finish it
• start a B2 textbook
• listen to podcasts in Spanish

Thai:

• Restart the children’s reading textbook I started 2 years ago
• Finish Thai for Beginners textbook

German:

• Start some beginner’s textbooks

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Teri

It’s been a tough year, and I’ve realized that I didn’t manage to accomplish most of my language-learning goals for 2025.
That led me to ask myself one important question: Was it really just a tough year, or were my goals simply unrealistic?

After a lot of reflection, I came to a conclusion.
Balancing a full-time job, university, working out, trying to maintain a social life, and aiming to achieve ambitious language goals at the same time was not a realistic path for me. At some point, that imbalance turned into frustration.

I’m sharing this in the hope that it helps someone out there. Maybe you’ll see yourself in this too. Not all of us live the same reality or have the same context. Everyone’s pace is different and that’s okay. You don’t need to be productive 365 days a year, and you don’t need to achieve every goal to feel like you’re enough or like you are doing enough.

With that in mind, here are my realistic goals for 2026. I’m taking into account that language learning won’t be my sole focus. I want to be more flexible, give myself time to rest, and allow space to explore new hobbies.

Chinese:

• Take Chinese lessons every Saturday
• Read 4 beginner-level books in Chinese
• Take and pass the HSK 3 exam
• Study Chinese independently at least 4 times a week (including immersion, podcasts, reading, grammar, and vocabulary)

Korean:

• Take lessons on Preply more frequently
• Find a study plan that truly adapts to my needs
• Take the TOPIK exam and aim for Level 5
• Improve my speaking and listening skills by practicing consistently with my teacher

Italian:

• Start studying Italian around June or July

I’m choosing progress over pressure, and balance over burnout.
This year, I’m allowing myself to move at a pace that feels sustainable, and that, too, is growth.

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What are your language learning plans and resolutions? Let us know in the comments. We hope this year will be a good year for your language learning journey! Happy studying!