The present study aimed to investigate the effects of L1, and L2, and L1 + L2 glosses on English vocabulary learning for technology university students at the low-intermediate English proficiency level in Taiwan. In this study, six gloss conditions were produced in terms of gloss language and position. Results showed that overall positive effects appeared in L2 English vocabulary learning for the students. However, the results of a delayed posttest showed that the effectiveness of L2 English glosses at the side of a page significantly faded over time. In addition, an opinion questionnaire indicated that the students preferred L1 Chinese glosses to L2 English ones. The findings suggest that a relaxed state of mind and a comfortable environment created by glosses be beneficial to L2 vocabulary learning. Also, they suggest that L1 glosses play a more important role than L2 glosses in enhancing L2 vocabulary learning for lower proficiency L2 learners. In this sense, material writers of English learning and English teachers in Taiwan should take it into consideration how to effectively and efficiently use Chinese glosses to improve English vocabulary learning for Taiwanese students at the lower English proficiency level.