Translation guide
The English word "memory" covers several distinct concepts: the mental faculty, a specific recollection, the capacity of a device, and the act of commemoration. Japanese uses different words for each.
The ability to remember things in general.
The general term for memory as a cognitive function. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
彼は記憶力がいい。
He has a good memory.
年を取ると記憶が衰える。
Memory declines with age.
Refers specifically to the ability to learn or memorize things. Often used in the phrase 物覚えがいい/悪い.
彼は物覚えが早い。
He picks things up quickly (has a good memory for learning).
Something remembered from the past; a mental image or experience.
A personal, often emotional memory. Commonly used for cherished or nostalgic memories.
子供の頃の思い出を話した。
We talked about childhood memories.
いい思い出を作りたい。
I want to make good memories.
Can also refer to a specific memory, but is more neutral/clinical than 思い出. Often used when the emotional aspect is not emphasized.
Reminiscence or recollection, often used in literary or formal contexts.
The amount of data a device can store, or the storage itself.
The standard term for computer memory (RAM). Also used for memory cards, etc.
このパソコンはメモリが8GBです。
This PC has 8GB of memory.
メモリが足りない。
There isn't enough memory.
Often used for storage (as opposed to RAM), like hard drives or flash storage.
Something done or made to honor and remember a person or event.
Used to say 'in memory of' or 'to commemorate'. Attach to the thing being commemorated.
彼を記念して奨学金が設立された。
A scholarship was established in his memory.
Mourning or memorial, specifically for the deceased. Often used in phrases like 追悼式 (memorial service).
追悼の意を表する。
To express one's condolences / pay tribute to the memory of someone.
A keepsake or memento left by a deceased person; something kept in memory of them.
思い出 (omoide) is for personal, emotional memories (e.g., childhood memories). 記憶 (kioku) is for factual memory or the cognitive ability. Use 思い出 when you want to emphasize the sentimental value.
メモリ (memori) only refers to computer memory. Using it for human memory sounds very unnatural. Use 記憶 (kioku) instead.
I have no memory of that day.
彼は過去を回想した。
He reminisced about the past.
Literally 'memory capacity'. More technical, used for storage devices.
このスマホの記憶容量は128GBです。
This smartphone has a memory capacity of 128GB.
写真はクラウドストレージに保存しています。
I save photos on cloud storage.
I treasure my grandmother's ring as a keepsake.