[yosito]

> The vast majority of people do not speak using the simple terms that are in those 100 top lists.

It really depends who you're talking to. I've seen claims, and I believe them, that in many languages the average person has about a 500 word vocabulary that they're using on a daily basis.

Someone who is more educated than the average person is likely to use a larger vocabulary, but they're also more likely to be able to simplify their speech to accomodate you and make it possible for you to communicate with them.

[throwaway55421]

Yes, but this is really distinct from understanding a language.

You might be able to have a very basic one on one conversation with someone who is speaking directly to you.

Now sit in the corner at a bar, party, in a conference, lecture hall, or even watch a movie without subtitles, and try to understand anything at all. In most if not all languages that's impossible with a 500 word vocab.