Translation guide
The English verb "recollect" means to remember something, often with some effort. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you are actively trying to recall, suddenly remembering, or simply not forgetting. This guide covers common verbs and phrases for different nuances of recollection.
You are making an effort to bring something back to mind.
The most common and versatile verb for 'recall' or 'recollect'. It implies an active or spontaneous act of remembering. Transitive verb.
彼の名前を思い出せない。
I can't recollect his name.
昨日のことを思い出そうとしている。
I'm trying to recollect what happened yesterday.
Similar to 思い出す but slightly more literary or deliberate. Often used when intentionally bringing back memories.
当時の苦労を思い起こす。
I recollect the hardships of those days.
Literally 'to trace one's memory'. Used when you are trying to recollect something step by step, like retracing events.
記憶をたどって、彼が言ったことを思い出した。
I traced my memory and recollected what he said.
Something comes to mind without deliberate effort, often triggered by a cue.
To suddenly realize or recollect something upon hearing or seeing a clue. Often used when a piece of information makes you remember.
その話を聞いて、思い当たることがあった。
Hearing that story, I recollected something.
To suddenly remember or recollect without any particular reason. 'ふと' adds the nuance of 'unexpectedly' or 'casually'.
ふと昔のことを思い出した。
I suddenly recollected an old memory.
To not forget; to retain in memory.
The most common way to say 'I remember' or 'I recollect'. It describes the state of having something in memory. Often used in present continuous form.
彼の顔はよく覚えている。
I recollect his face well.
あの日のことは今でも覚えている。
I still recollect that day.
To memorize or commit to memory. More formal and deliberate than 覚える. Often used in technical or academic contexts.
その番号を記憶するのは難しい。
It's difficult to recollect that number.
To look back on memories with a sense of nostalgia.
To recollect fondly; to feel nostalgic about. Emphasizes the emotional aspect of remembering.
学生時代を懐かしむ。
I recollect my school days with nostalgia.
To be immersed in memories; to recollect and savor past experiences.
古いアルバムを見ながら思い出に浸った。
I recollected old times while looking at the photo album.
思い出す is an action: 'to recall' (often with effort or a trigger). 覚えている is a state: 'to remember' (to have in memory). Use 覚えている when you simply have the memory, and 思い出す when you bring it to mind.
彼の名前を覚えている？
Do you remember his name? (Is it in your memory?)
彼の名前を思い出せる？
Can you recollect his name? (Can you bring it to mind?)
The loanword リコレクト is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native verbs like 思い出す or 覚えている.
鍵をどこに置いたか思い出せない。
I can't recollect where I put my keys.
彼女はその夜の出来事を思い出した。
She recollected the events of that evening.