Translation guide
The act of committing something to memory. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 暗記 (あんき) or the verb 覚える (おぼえる). The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the process of memorizing or the state of having memorized.
Expressing the act of memorizing facts, words, or procedures, often for study or performance.
The most direct noun for 'memorization'. Often used in educational contexts.
単語の暗記は大変だ。
Memorizing vocabulary is tough.
彼は歴史の年号を暗記するのが得意だ。
He is good at memorizing historical dates.
The most common verb for 'to memorize' or 'to learn by heart'. It can also mean 'to remember' or 'to learn' in general.
この詩を覚えなきゃ。
I have to memorize this poem.
新しい単語を10個覚えた。
I memorized 10 new words.
Refers more to 'memory' as a faculty or the act of remembering, but can be used in compounds like 記憶する (to memorize/remember). Slightly more formal.
記憶力がいい。
I have a good memory (ability to memorize).
その番号を記憶してください。
Please memorize that number.
Rote memorization, often with a negative connotation of memorizing without understanding.
試験のために教科書を丸暗記した。
I rote-memorized the textbook for the exam.
Focusing on the action of putting something into memory.
To memorize thoroughly, to learn by heart. Implies a deeper, more ingrained memorization.
台詞を完全に覚え込んだ。
I completely memorized my lines.
Literally 'to put into one's head', a casual way to say 'to memorize' or 'to learn'.
この公式を頭に入れておいて。
Keep this formula in mind (memorize it).
Specifically memorizing scripts, music, or choreography.
Memorizing a musical score. Used by musicians.
ピアニストはその曲を暗譜で弾いた。
The pianist played the piece from memory.
To memorize lines (for a play, film, etc.).
彼女はすぐに台詞を覚える。
She memorizes her lines quickly.
暗記 is a noun meaning 'memorization', while 覚える is a verb meaning 'to memorize'. Use 暗記する as a verb (to do memorization) or 覚える as a more general verb for learning by heart. 覚える can also mean 'to remember' or 'to learn', so context is important.
覚える (oboeru) means 'to memorize' or 'to learn', while 思い出す (omoidasu) means 'to recall' or 'to remember' something from the past. If you want to say 'I remember his name', use 思い出す, not 覚える.
彼の名前を覚えた。
I memorized his name.
彼の名前を思い出した。
I remembered his name.
暗記は理解と同じではない。
Memorization is not the same as understanding.
このスピーチを覚えなければならない。
I need to memorize this speech.