Signification
To bring something back to mind; to recollect.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Natsukashii' is central to Japanese culture. Unlike 'nostalgia' in English, which can be sad, 'natsukashii' is usually a warm, happy feeling of remembering the past. Using 'omoidashita' can be a polite way to admit you forgot something without being too blunt. It implies the information was always 'there,' just hidden. Many Japanese poems (Haiku/Tanka) use seasonal triggers (Kigo) to make the reader 'omoidasu' a specific feeling or landscape. On platforms like Twitter/X, Japanese users use the hashtag #思い出 (Omoide) to share nostalgic photos or stories.
The 'Aha!' Shout
When you remember something suddenly, shout 'Omoidashita!' (past tense). It's what natives do 100% of the time.
Don't use for 'to-do' lists
If you want someone to remember to buy milk, say 'Wasurenai de' (Don't forget).
Signification
To bring something back to mind; to recollect.
The 'Aha!' Shout
When you remember something suddenly, shout 'Omoidashita!' (past tense). It's what natives do 100% of the time.
Don't use for 'to-do' lists
If you want someone to remember to buy milk, say 'Wasurenai de' (Don't forget).
Potential Form
Use 'Omoidasenai' when a word is on the tip of your tongue. It signals to the listener that you are trying hard to find the word.
Natsukashii connection
Pair 'Omoidasu' with 'Natsukashii' to sound very natural when talking about the past.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb for: 'I will learn 10 new words today.'
{今日|きょう}、{新|あたら}しい{単語|たんご}を10{個|こ}（ ）。
Learning or memorizing is {覚える|おぼえる}. {思い出す|おもいだす} is only for recalling what you already know.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {思い出す|おもいだす}.
あ！{宿題|しゅくだい}を（ ）！
When you suddenly remember something in the moment, use the past tense 'omoidashita'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: '{子供|こども}の{時|とき}を{思|お}い{出|だ}します。'
This sentence expresses nostalgia, which fits looking at old photos.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {彼|かれ}の{名前|なまえ}、{知|し}っていますか？ B: うーん、すみません。（ ）。
'I can't remember' (potential negative) is the most natural response when you know you should know the name but can't find it.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices{今日|きょう}、{新|あたら}しい{単語|たんご}を10{個|こ}（ ）。
Learning or memorizing is {覚える|おぼえる}. {思い出す|おもいだす} is only for recalling what you already know.
あ！{宿題|しゅくだい}を（ ）！
When you suddenly remember something in the moment, use the past tense 'omoidashita'.
Sentence: '{子供|こども}の{時|とき}を{思|お}い{出|だ}します。'
This sentence expresses nostalgia, which fits looking at old photos.
A: {彼|かれ}の{名前|なまえ}、{知|し}っていますか？ B: うーん、すみません。（ ）。
'I can't remember' (potential negative) is the most natural response when you know you should know the name but can't find it.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, use 'oboeru' for memorizing. 'Omoidasu' is only for the act of recalling them later.
'Omoidasu' is common and often spontaneous. 'Omoiokosu' is formal and usually implies a deliberate effort to reflect.
No, 'omoide' is a noun meaning 'a memory.' The verb is 'omoidasu.'
Use the causative form: '[Thing] wa [Memory] wo omoidasaseru.'
Yes, 'Kare wo omoidasu' means to think of him or recall him.
Yes, 'omoidashimasu' is perfectly polite for any situation.
It takes the object particle 'wo' (を).
Yes, it means you are currently in the process of reminiscing or trying to remember.
Natives often just say 'Deta!' (It came out!) when they finally remember a word.
Yes, it's one of the first cognitive verbs Japanese children learn.
Not directly, but recalling someone often implies you miss them. For 'I miss you,' use 'aitai' (I want to see you).
Yes, 'Yume wo omoidasu' (to remember a dream) is very common.
Expressions liées
{覚える|おぼえる}
similarTo memorize or learn
{忘れる|わすれる}
contrastTo forget
{思い出す|おもいで}
builds onA memory (noun)
{思い起こす|おもいおこす}
specialized formTo summon a memory
{懐かしい|なつかしい}
similarNostalgic
{暗記|あんき}する
similarTo rote memorize
