Translation guide
The English verb "remember" covers recalling past events, keeping information in mind, not forgetting tasks, and commemorating people or events. Japanese uses different verbs and structures depending on the nuance.
To bring a past experience, fact, or memory back into your mind.
The most common and natural way to say 'remember' when you actively recall something. It implies the memory comes back to you, often spontaneously or with effort.
彼の名前を思い出せない。
I can't remember his name.
あの日のことを突然思い出した。
I suddenly remembered that day.
Literally 'I am remembering,' this describes the state of having a memory. It's used for things you still remember, not the act of recalling.
子供の頃のことはよく覚えている。
I remember my childhood well.
あの映画のラストシーンを覚えていますか？
Do you remember the last scene of that movie?
A more formal or literary way to say 'remember,' often used in writing or serious contexts. It emphasizes the act of retaining a memory.
彼は事件の詳細を正確に記憶している。
He remembers the details of the incident accurately.
To retain information, such as a fact, a person's name, or a skill, in your memory.
The basic verb for memorizing or learning something so that you remember it. It can also mean 'to learn' or 'to master.'
新しい単語を覚えるのは大変だ。
It's hard to remember new vocabulary.
彼の電話番号を覚えましたか？
Did you remember his phone number?
A more formal verb for committing something to memory. Often used in technical or academic contexts.
データを正確に記憶する必要がある。
You need to remember the data accurately.
Specifically means 'to memorize by heart,' often used for rote learning like vocabulary or formulas.
歴史の年号を暗記する。
Memorize historical dates.
To keep in mind a future task or obligation; to not overlook doing something.
The most natural way to say 'remember to do something.' Literally 'don't forget to do.' Use the verb in dictionary form + のを忘れない.
牛乳を買うのを忘れないでね。
Remember to buy milk.
宿題をするのを忘れないように。
Make sure you remember to do your homework.
Literally 'keep in mind that you will do something.' Slightly more deliberate than the negative form. Often used for important reminders.
パスポートを持っていくことを覚えておいて。
Remember to bring your passport.
To show respect for a person or event from the past, often through a ceremony or monument.
Used for remembering and mourning the dead, often in formal contexts like memorial services.
戦没者を追悼する式典が開かれた。
A ceremony was held to remember the war dead.
To commemorate an event or person, often with a monument, holiday, or celebration. More about honoring a positive memory.
独立を記念する日。
A day to remember independence.
To remember fondly or cherish the memory of someone, often used for deceased loved ones. Has a poetic, emotional nuance.
To recognize someone you have met before; to recall who they are.
Used when you remember a person, meaning you recognize them or know who they are.
あなたのことを覚えていますか？
Do you remember me?
彼の顔は覚えているけど、名前は思い出せない。
I remember his face, but I can't recall his name.
Literally 'there is a memory of seeing.' Used when you think you've seen someone or something before, but may not fully remember.
あの人に見覚えがあるんだけど、誰だっけ？
I remember that person from somewhere, but who is it?
思い出す is the act of recalling (a punctual verb), while 覚えている is the state of remembering (a stative verb). Use 思い出す when a memory comes back to you, and 覚えている when you have the memory in mind.
覚える means 'to memorize' or 'to learn,' not 'to remember to do something.' For tasks, use 〜するのを忘れない or 〜することを覚えておく.
✕ 牛乳を買うのを覚えて。
Intended: Remember to buy milk. (This sounds like 'Learn how to buy milk.')
あの日のことをはっきり覚えている。
I remember that day clearly.
ドアに鍵をかけるのを忘れないで。
Remember to lock the door.
鍵をどこに置いたか思い出せない。
I can't remember where I put my keys.
We offered a silent prayer in remembrance of the deceased.