Extensive prior research has established retrieval practice as a robust and effective strategy for enhancing vocabulary learning. Nevertheless, the impact of different retrieval modes (overt and covert retrieval) on the learning of foreign language vocabulary remains unclear. This study conducted three experiments to compare the effects of overt and covert retrieval on the learning of L3 (French) vocabulary. In all experiments, participants were first presented with 60 French (L3)–English (L2) word pairs. They then engaged in either repeated studying or retrieval practice, which took the form of overt retrieval (Experiment 1), covert retrieval (Experiment 2), or both retrieval modes (Experiment 3). Following a 30-minute retention interval, participants completed a final cued recall test. Significant retrieval practice effects (RPE) were observed in the first two experiments, with participants generating a higher proportion of accurate responses via retrieval practice than repeated studying. No significant difference was found in the magnitude of RPE between Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Furthermore, Experiment 3 revealed that, when compared to overt retrieval, covert retrieval yielded comparable benefits in the learning of French (L3) words. Collectively, these findings suggest that both overt and covert retrieval are equally advantageous for L3 vocabulary learning.