Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Language Study Essentials
56
items I love learning languages! Over time, I’ve collected a bunch of books, resources, and tools that have helped me along the way. These are some of my personal favorites and study essentials. Hope you find something you love!
Sections
5
Core Learning
Note Taking Essentials
Desk Essentials
Apps
TV Shows & Movies
Core Learning
I love this book series! Talk To Me in Korean is one of my favorite resources for anyone starting their Korean-learning journey. The lessons are easy to follow, well organized, and make learning grammar and everyday Korean feel much less overwhelming...
Learn Korean with Talk To Me In Korean – Books & Online ...
I love this book for getting comfortable with Hangul, especially when you're just starting out! It breaks down the Korean alphabet in a simple, easy-to-follow way and gives you plenty of practice as you learn. A great companion to the Talk To Me in K...
Hangeul Master - Learn to Read & Write Korean
I love this book for building a strong Korean vocabulary! My First 500 Korean Words makes learning new words feel manageable by introducing useful everyday vocabulary in a simple, organized way. It's great for beginners who want to expand their vocab...
My First 500 Korean Words - Compress | PDF
Integrated Korean: Beginning 1 is a great textbook if you want a more structured approach to learning Korean. It covers vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and everyday conversations, making it a helpful all-around resource for building...
Integrated Korean: Beginning 1, 2nd Ed.
Korean Stories for Language Learners is a great resource for practicing Korean reading and comprehension. I love that it uses short, engaging stories to help you learn vocabulary and grammar in context rather than just memorizing words. Perfect for b...
Korean Stories For Language Learners: Folktales
Korean Made Simple by Billy Go is one of my favorite beginner-friendly resources! The lessons are easy to follow, fun, and great for self-study. The explanations are clear without feeling overwhelming, making it a great way to build a strong foundati...
Korean Made Simple & More!
Korean Grammar in Use is one of my favorite resources for really understanding Korean grammar. I use it more like a grammar reference or glossary than a traditional textbook—whenever I come across a grammar point I want to understand better, I use th...
Korean Grammar in Use Beginner PDF
How to Study Korean is an amazing resource for anyone learning Korean, especially if you're just starting out. The lessons go into great detail, covering vocabulary, grammar points, sentence structure, and more while still being easy to follow. I lov...
How to Study Korean
Great resource for anyone starting their Chinese learning journey! The book is structured in a way to build your foundation, with lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening. I’m currently working through Level 1 and have been really...
HSK Standard Course 1 SET - Textbook +Workbook ...
Coffee Break Spanish is a great resource for learning the basics of Spanish! The lessons are easy to follow, conversational, and perfect for fitting a little language practice into your day. Great for beginners who want to build their confidence and ...
Coffee Break Spanish
Genki is a great resource for anyone starting their Japanese learning journey! It has clear, structured lessons that cover vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and conversation. I really like how detailed the lessons are while still being easy to f...
A Look at GENKI 3rd Edition
Note Taking Essentials
I love using these highlighters to keep my language notes organized, colorful, and easy to review. They’re great for highlighting vocabulary, grammar rules, key phrases, and important details without making my notes feel too cluttered. Perfect for st...
MILDLINER Dual-Tip Creative Highlighter
I love using this notebook for studying and note-taking. The grid pages make it easy to keep everything organized while practicing vocabulary, writing, and taking grammar notes. Great for keeping all your study notes and ideas in one place!
Pen+Gear 1 Subject Notebook, Grid Ruled, 8.5"x 10.5", Poly Cover, 80 ...
I love using these pens! They’re smooth, easy to write with, and perfect for everyday note-taking. Honestly, these are the only pens I use. I always make sure to keep them stocked. Highly recommend!
Pen Gear Gel Pens
Love using these pens for note-taking and separating my notes. They’re easy to write with and make it simple to color-code different sections, especially when studying vocabulary, grammar, and key points.
Pen Gear Gel Pens
Love these highlighters! They’re great for organizing notes, color coding vocabulary, grammar points, and key phrases when studying. Perfect for keeping your notes colorful and easy to review!
Sharpie S-Note Pastel Highlighters No Bleed
Love this journal! I usually use it for practicing vocabulary or journaling. It’s a simple way to practice writing regularly while keeping all my thoughts and new words in one place.
Wood Printed Journal 5.75in x 8in
Love using these index cards for studying new words and phrases. They’re great for practicing reading, writing, and memorization during study sessions.
Pen+Gear Ruled Index Cards, 3" x 5", White, 100 Count
Love using this board for quick notes and practice!
U Brands 17 x 23 in. Dry Erase Whiteboard Value Pack ...
Desk Essentials
I love this drawer set for keeping all my study supplies organized and easy to find. It’s strong, durable, and gives me plenty of space to store my notebooks, pens, index cards, and other essentials. Highly recommend for keeping your study space neat...
ALEX drawer unit, white, 141/8x271/2"
I have this countertop as my tabletop, and I love it! It’s long, strong, and durable, with plenty of space for studying, and it also adds a warm, cozy atmosphere to my study space.
VRENA countertop, oak/veneer, 74x11/8"
Love this lamp! It gives off a bright but gentle glow, and I love the simple orb design. It’s a great little addition to your study space, especially when you want a cozy atmosphere while studying.
FADO table lamp, white, 10"
Great laptop for studying, researching, taking notes, and keeping all my language learning resources in one place. I also use it to watch lessons, practice listening, and organize my study materials. Definitely a great all around laptop for studying!
MacBook Air 13-inch and MacBook Air 15-inch
Apps
This one helped me memorize vocabulary so much! I love that it covers different topics, so you can find what interests you while learning new words. It also includes some less common words that you probably wouldn’t find in a typical language textboo...
Drops - Free language learning for 55+ Languages
I love this app! It’s great for learning grammar and getting in some extra vocabulary practice.
LingoDeer
Highly recommend this if you want to improve your speaking skills and get more practice with Korean or Japanese!
Teudia
Great for practicing everyday vocabulary and useful phrases! It teaches you through realistic conversations, so you’re listening to everyday situations, repeating phrases, and learning the kind of language you’d actually use in real life.
Falou
I’ve been loving this app for practicing my Korean typing! It’s a fun way to get more comfortable with the keyboard while learning at the same time.
TypeKorean
Love this app! It’s great for getting started with Chinese. I’ve been using it to learn a lot of vocabulary and grammar, and it makes studying feel really approachable
HelloChinese
Great for learning Korean and Japanese! It’s been so much fun so far because it actually teaches you how to have conversations, not just memorize words. This app has helped me the most with speaking and I highly recommend it!
YuSpeak
Love this app! I really like how it starts in Spanish and immerses you in the language right away. I’ve already noticed an improvement in my Spanish and would highly recommend it!
Palteca
Great for building vocabulary and getting more comfortable with everyday phrases! I especially like the real-world videos and listening practice; it makes learning feel more natural and immersive.
Memrise
Great for building a strong foundation in a new language! I like the mix of vocabulary, grammar, and real-life conversations—it makes studying feel practical and easy to stick with.
Busuu
Great resource for checking vocabulary and translating phrases! I like using it as a little “cheat sheet” to double-check my translations and catch any mistakes.
Papago
I made a whole section in Notion dedicated to the different languages I’m learning. It’s great for staying organized and keeping all my language resources, notes, and study materials in one place.
Notion
TV Shows & Movies
One of the first K-dramas that introduced me to Korean language and culture! It’s a fun way to get some listening practice in while enjoying a great story. Highly recommend!
Itaewon Class (2020)
Had to add this one! Just a must-watch. Highly recommend!
Squid Game (2021–2025)
One of my favorite series of all time. I love the story, the nostalgia, and the overall cozy feeling of it. Definitely one I can rewatch over and over!
The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (2007)
Highly recommend watching some variety shows! This was one of my favorite shows, and it’s great for picking up everyday conversations and expressions.
Adventure by Accident (2022– )
This show is definitely my favorite reality competition! I love the challenges they go through and how intense each competition gets.
Physical: 100 (2023– )
Just recently finished this one! I thought it was really refreshing and personally relatable, lol.
Better Late Than Single (2025– )
Highly recommend!! Such a great mix of action, suspense, and emotion. Definitely a must-watch!
Train to Busan (2016)
One of my favorite movies! Such a fun, nostalgic watch with a great mix of comedy, romance, and heart.
My Tutor Friend (2003)
A really powerful and thought-provoking movie. I loved how it explores everyday life, expectations, and the experiences of women in Korean society. Definitely one that stayed with me.
Kim Ji-young: Born 1982 (2019)
One of my favorites! I love the story and the nostalgic feeling it gives me. Definitely one I could watch over and over again.
Aishiteiru to Ittekure (1995)
Currently watching this one! Such a nice, easygoing watch with a great summer vibe.
Beach Boys (1997–1998)
A really emotional and beautiful story. Definitely one that pulls at your heartstrings and stays with you after watching.
Beyond Goodbye (2024)
Had to add this one! Such a fun, intense, and addictive watch. Definitely recommend!
Alice in Borderland (2020-2025)
A classic! The animation, atmosphere, and visual style are incredible. Definitely a must-watch if you’re into anime.
Akira (1988)
One of my favorite series! The music, animation, characters, and overall atmosphere make this such a great watch. It’s also a fun way to get some Japanese listening practice in while enjoying an amazing story.
Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)
Easy watch and great for getting some casual listening practice in. Highly recommend!
Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure (2022)
A must-watch if you're into horror!
The Ring (1998)
I watched this all the time when I was in elementary school. Such a nostalgic and cozy watch! Highly recommend.
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
I personally love psychological thrillers, and this one was such an intense watch! I highly recommend watching both movies. It’s also a good way to get some listening practice in while studying.
The Platform (2019)
A great film with a unique visual style and story. Definitely worth watching if you’re practicing Spanish and want some listening practice with more natural, everyday conversations.
Gueros (2014)
A powerful and emotional film that really stayed with me. Definitely worth watching!!
Prayers for the Stolen (2021)