At the A1 level, you only need to know that 记忆 (jìyì) means 'memory.' You might encounter it in simple sentences like 'I have a good memory' or 'This is a memory.' It is slightly more advanced than the basic verb 'to remember' (记得), so don't worry if you don't use it perfectly yet. Just think of it as the noun form. For example, if you want to say 'My memory is good,' you say '我的记忆力很好' (Note the 'li' at the end for 'power'). At this stage, focus on recognizing the characters. The first character 记 looks like a person speaking (讠) and a record (己). The second character 忆 has the heart radical (忄), showing it involves feelings and the mind. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you talk about your past in a simple way.
At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing between the noun 记忆 (memory) and the verb 记得 (to remember). You will use 记忆 to talk about specific things from your past, like 'childhood memory' (童年记忆). You can use simple adjectives to describe it, such as 'good' (好), 'bad' (不好), or 'clear' (清楚). You might also see it in the context of learning, like 'memorizing words' (记忆单词). This is an important transition point where you move from just doing actions to talking about the concepts behind those actions. Practice using it with the particle '的' (de) to show possession: 'my memory,' 'his memory,' etc. This level requires you to understand that 记忆 is a thing you possess, not just an action you do.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 记忆 in more complex sentence structures. You will start using verbs like '唤起' (to evoke) or '保留' (to keep) with 记忆. You should also be comfortable with the word '记忆力' (memory capacity) and use it to discuss health or study habits. You will encounter 记忆 in short stories or news articles about history and culture. You should understand phrases like '美好的记忆' (beautiful memories) and '痛苦的记忆' (painful memories). This is also the stage where you begin to see 记忆 as a formal verb, such as in '记忆这些规则' (memorize these rules). You should be able to differentiate between 记忆 and 回忆 (recalling/recollection) in most contexts, recognizing that 回忆 is more about the process of looking back.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use 记忆 in abstract and professional discussions. You will use it to talk about 'collective memory' (集体记忆) or 'cultural memory' (文化记忆). You should understand how 记忆 is used in psychological or scientific texts, such as 'short-term memory' (短期记忆) and 'long-term memory' (长期记忆). Your vocabulary should include collocations like '深刻的记忆' (a deep/profound memory) and '磨灭不掉的记忆' (an indelible memory). You should be able to write essays where 记忆 is a central theme, exploring how it shapes identity or influences society. At this level, you should also be aware of the literary uses of the word in poems or modern prose, where it might be personified or used metaphorically.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 记忆. You can use it to discuss philosophical concepts, such as the reliability of memory or the ethics of forgetting. You will understand the subtle differences between 记忆 and related terms like '追忆' (to reminisce/trace back) or '镌刻' (to engrave/carve into memory). You should be able to follow academic lectures on neuroscience or history that use 记忆 as a technical term. Your speaking and writing should include sophisticated idioms and set phrases involving memory. You can analyze how authors use 记忆 to construct narrative structures. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are manipulating it to express complex, abstract thoughts about the human condition and the passage of time.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 记忆. You can use it with total precision in any context, from high-level scientific research to classical literary analysis. You understand the historical evolution of the characters and can appreciate the word's resonance in ancient Chinese philosophy. You can engage in debates about 'historical memory' and its political implications with ease. You are familiar with rare and archaic synonyms and can use 记忆 in complex rhetorical devices. Whether you are writing a technical manual on data storage or a lyrical essay on the transience of life, 记忆 is a tool you use with absolute fluency. You can detect subtle emotional undertones when the word is used in different registers and can adapt your own usage to match any social or professional setting perfectly.

记忆 30秒で

  • A noun meaning 'memory' or 'recollection,' essential for describing past experiences and cognitive abilities.
  • Differs from the verb '记得' (to remember); 记忆 is the 'what,' while 记得 is the 'do.'
  • Commonly used in compound words like '记忆力' (memory power) and '童年记忆' (childhood memory).
  • Used both in everyday emotional contexts and formal scientific or historical discussions.

The Chinese word 记忆 (jìyì) is a sophisticated and multi-layered term that primarily functions as a noun meaning 'memory.' However, its usage extends far beyond the simple biological capacity to retain information. In the Chinese language, 记忆 encompasses the entire spectrum of human experience related to the past—from the neurological functions of the brain to the deeply emotional and collective recollections of a society. When you use this word, you are often touching upon something more formal or profound than the colloquial 'remembering' (which would be 记得 - jìde). 记忆 refers to the stored content itself or the faculty of storing it. It is the vessel of our history and the foundation of our identity.

Biological Faculty
In a scientific or medical context, 记忆 refers to the cognitive process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information. For example, doctors might discuss '记忆力' (jìyìlì), which specifically means 'memory power' or 'retentive faculty.'
Emotional Recollection
When people talk about their childhood or past relationships, they use 记忆 to describe the mental images and feelings preserved over time. It carries a sense of nostalgia and permanence.
Collective History
In sociology or literature, '集体记忆' (jítǐ jìyì) refers to the shared pool of memories and information held by a group of people, such as a nation or an ethnic group, which shapes their cultural identity.

The character 记 (jì) means to record or write down, while 忆 (yì) means to recall or think about. Together, they create a beautiful symmetry between the act of taking something in and the act of bringing it back out. This word is essential for anyone wanting to express deep thoughts about the passage of time or the value of experiences.

这段童年的记忆对我来说非常珍贵。(This childhood memory is very precious to me.)

Furthermore, 记忆 can be used as a verb in formal or academic Chinese, meaning 'to memorize' or 'to commit to memory.' While students might say '背单词' (bèi dāncí) for 'memorizing words' in daily life, a textbook might use '记忆单词' to sound more professional. It implies a conscious, systematic effort to store data. In the digital age, it also relates to computer memory, though '内存' (nèicún) is the technical term for RAM, 记忆 is still used metaphorically in AI and neural network discussions.

人类的记忆是有限的,但书籍是永恒的。(Human memory is limited, but books are eternal.)

Formal Usage
Used in speeches, essays, and literature to discuss legacy and historical trauma.

In summary, 记忆 is a versatile word that bridges the gap between science and poetry. It is the tool we use to talk about why we are who we are, based on what we have seen and learned. Whether you are discussing a computer's storage capacity or the lingering scent of your grandmother's kitchen, 记忆 is the word that holds those fragments together.

Using 记忆 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. Unlike English where 'remember' is the go-to word for almost everything, Chinese separates the action from the object. You don't usually '记忆' a person (you 记得 them); instead, you possess a '记忆' of them. Let's look at the grammatical structures where this word shines.

Possessive Structure (Noun)
Possessive + 记忆. Example: '我的记忆' (My memory). This is the most common way to use the word. You can describe the quality of the memory using adjectives like '模糊' (móhu - blurry) or '清晰' (qīngxī - clear).

老人的记忆变得越来越模糊了。(The elderly person's memory is becoming more and more blurred.)

Another frequent pattern involves the verb '留在' (liú zài - to stay in/remain in). We often say a memory 'stays in my mind.' This creates a vivid image of an experience being physically lodged within one's consciousness.

那场旅行的画面永远留在了我的记忆里。(The scenes from that trip will stay in my memory forever.)

As a Direct Object
Verbs like '唤起' (huànqǐ - to evoke), '抹去' (mǒqù - to erase), or '珍藏' (zhēncáng - to treasure) often take 记忆 as their object. This is common in literature and high-level conversation.

When 记忆 acts as a verb, it is usually found in academic contexts, specifically regarding the method of learning. For instance, '记忆技巧' (jìyì jìqiǎo) means 'memory techniques' or 'mnemonics.' In this case, 记忆 describes the act of memorization itself.

通过联想法,你可以更快地记忆这些复杂的公式。(By using association, you can memorize these complex formulas faster.)

Lastly, consider the 'Time + 记忆' construction. Words like '童年记忆' (childhood memory) or '历史记忆' (historical memory) are fixed expressions that allow you to categorize specific types of recollections. This is essential for writing essays or discussing personal history in a structured way.

You will encounter 记忆 in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the cinematic. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'flavor' of the word.

In Cinema and Literature
Sci-fi movies like 'Inception' or 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' (translated as '美丽心灵的永恒阳光' or similar) use 记忆 constantly. In these contexts, characters might talk about '修改记忆' (modifying memories) or '植入记忆' (planting memories). It sounds clinical yet mysterious.

在科幻小说中,人类的记忆经常可以被上传到电脑里。(In science fiction novels, human memories can often be uploaded to computers.)

In everyday life, you'll hear it in sentimental conversations. When friends reunite after many years, they might say, '你还保留着我们上学时的记忆吗?' (Do you still keep the memories of when we were in school?). Here, it's warmer and more personal.

Medical and Educational Settings
If you visit a doctor regarding an elderly relative, the doctor might ask about '记忆力减退' (memory loss/decline). In schools, teachers discuss '记忆方法' (memorization methods) to help students prepare for exams.

Music is another major source. Many Mandopop songs have '记忆' in the title or lyrics, often paired with '痛苦' (painful) or '甜蜜' (sweet). It serves as a poetic anchor for the emotions being expressed.

这首歌唤醒了我深处的记忆。(This song awakened my deep memories.)

Finally, in the news, you might hear about '集体记忆' (collective memory) when discussing how a city remembers a significant event, like an earthquake or a major celebration. It’s a word that bridges the individual mind with the social consciousness.

Learning 记忆 can be tricky because English uses the word 'memory' for several distinct concepts that Chinese treats separately. Here are the most common pitfalls for English speakers.

1. Confusing 记忆 (jìyì) with 记得 (jìde)
This is the #1 mistake. 记得 is a verb meaning 'to remember' (the act of not forgetting). 记忆 is a noun (the thing stored in your head). You cannot say '我记忆你' to mean 'I remember you.' You must say '我记得你.'

❌ 错误: 我记忆他的名字。
✅ 正确: 我记得他的名字。

2. Using 记忆 for Computer Storage: While 'memory' in English covers both RAM and HDD/SSD space, Chinese is more specific. For a phone's storage capacity, use '容量' (róngliàng). For RAM, use '内存' (nèicún). If you say your phone has 'bad 记忆,' people will understand you're being metaphorical, but it's not technically correct.

3. 记忆 vs. 记忆力
If you want to say 'My memory is getting worse,' you should use 记忆力 (jìyìlì - memory power/ability). 记忆 refers to the specific memories themselves, while 记忆力 refers to the brain's function.

4. Confusing 记忆 with 纪念 (jìniàn): 纪念 means 'to commemorate' or 'souvenir.' If you buy a postcard to 'remember' a trip, that's a 纪念品 (jìniànpǐn). The mental image you keep is the 记忆.

❌ 错误: 他的记忆很好,能背下整本书。
✅ 正确: 他的记忆力很好,能背下整本书。

Lastly, avoid using 记忆 as a verb for simple daily tasks. Don't say '我要记忆买牛奶' (I need to remember to buy milk). Use '记得' or '别忘了' (don't forget). 记忆 as a verb is reserved for learning complex information or formal memorization.

To truly master 记忆, you need to know its neighbors in the semantic field. Chinese has many words for 'remembering' and 'past thoughts,' each with a specific nuance.

回忆 (huíyì)
Comparison: 记忆 is the static thing stored in your head. 回忆 is the active process of 'recalling' or 'looking back.' As a noun, 回忆 often refers to a specific story or 'memory lane' experience. If 记忆 is the file, 回忆 is the act of opening it.

我们在老照片中寻找美好的回忆。(We look for beautiful memories in old photos.)

记性 (jìxing)
Comparison: This is the colloquial version of 记忆力. If you forget your keys, you say '我的记性不好' (My memory/forgetfulness is bad). It's informal and very common in spoken Chinese.
印象 (yìnxiàng)
Comparison: This means 'impression.' If you only vaguely remember someone, you say '我有印象' (I have an impression/I vaguely remember). 记忆 is much deeper and more detailed than 印象.

我对那个城市的印象很深,但细节的记忆已经模糊了。(I have a deep impression of that city, but the memory of the details has blurred.)

Other alternatives include 留念 (liúniàn), which is often used when taking a photo 'to keep as a memento,' and 怀念 (huáiniàn), which means to cherish the memory of or to miss someone/something dearly. While 记忆 is neutral, 怀念 is filled with emotion.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact shade of meaning you intend, making your Chinese sound more natural and precise. 记忆 remains the most 'standard' and 'broad' term among them.

レベル別の例文

1

我的记忆很好。

My memory is very good.

Subject + possessive + 记忆 + adverb + adjective.

2

这是一个好记忆。

This is a good memory.

Using 记忆 as a simple noun.

3

他不记忆我。

He doesn't remember me. (Note: Common error for A1, should be 记得)

Wait! This is actually a common mistake. Use '记得' instead.

4

你有这个记忆吗?

Do you have this memory?

Question form using '吗'.

5

记忆很重要。

Memory is very important.

Abstract noun as a subject.

6

这是我的童年记忆。

This is my childhood memory.

Noun compounding: 童年 + 记忆.

7

他在记忆单词。

He is memorizing words.

记忆 used as a verb in a formal sense.

8

我没有那个记忆。

I don't have that memory.

Negation with '没有'.

1

我有很多美好的记忆。

I have many beautiful memories.

Using '很多' (many) and '美好的' (beautiful) to describe 记忆.

2

他的记忆力在下降。

His memory (power) is declining.

Introducing '记忆力' for memory capacity.

3

这些记忆永远不会消失。

These memories will never disappear.

Using '永远' (forever) and '不会' (will not).

4

我们一起创造记忆。

We create memories together.

Verb '创造' (to create) + object '记忆'.

5

这首歌唤起了我的记忆。

This song evoked my memories.

Verb '唤起' (to evoke/call up).

6

我丢失了一些记忆。

I lost some memories.

Verb '丢失' (to lose).

7

请记忆这个号码。

Please memorize this number.

Imperative use of 记忆 as a verb.

8

那是我最痛苦的记忆。

That is my most painful memory.

Superlative '最' + adjective '痛苦'.

1

我们需要保留这段历史记忆。

We need to preserve this historical memory.

Using '保留' (preserve) and '历史记忆' (historical memory).

2

他的记忆中充满了快乐。

His memory is filled with happiness.

Structure: '...中充满了...' (is filled with...).

3

这种方法可以增强记忆力。

This method can enhance memory.

Verb '增强' (enhance/strengthen).

4

我无法抹去那段记忆。

I cannot erase that memory.

Potential complement '无法抹去' (unable to erase).

5

每个人的记忆都是独特的。

Everyone's memory is unique.

Using '独特' (unique) to describe 记忆.

6

记忆有时会欺骗我们。

Memory sometimes deceives us.

Abstract concept as an active subject.

7

他正在努力记忆演讲稿。

He is working hard to memorize the speech.

Verb '努力' (strive) + 记忆.

8

那场灾难留下了深刻的记忆。

That disaster left a profound memory.

Resultative structure '留下...记忆'.

1

集体记忆是民族认同的基础。

Collective memory is the foundation of national identity.

Academic terms: 集体记忆, 民族认同, 基础.

2

长期记忆和短期记忆有很大区别。

There is a big difference between long-term and short-term memory.

Scientific categories of memory.

3

这些碎片化的记忆难以拼凑。

These fragmented memories are hard to piece together.

Adjective '碎片化' (fragmented).

4

他试图通过写作来整理记忆。

He tries to organize his memories through writing.

Verb '整理' (to organize/tidy up).

5

时间会淡化那些痛苦的记忆。

Time will fade those painful memories.

Verb '淡化' (to fade/dilute).

6

这种药物可能会损害记忆。

This medicine might damage memory.

Verb '损害' (to damage/harm).

7

他的记忆如同潮水般涌来。

His memories came flooding back like a tide.

Simile: '如同...般涌来'.

8

我们应该珍惜那些宝贵的记忆。

We should cherish those precious memories.

Verb '珍惜' (to cherish/value).

1

记忆的重构是一个动态的过程。

The reconstruction of memory is a dynamic process.

Noun '重构' (reconstruction) and '动态' (dynamic).

2

文学作品往往是记忆的避难所。

Literary works are often the refuge of memory.

Metaphorical usage: '避难所' (refuge/sanctuary).

3

这种文化记忆代代相传。

This cultural memory is passed down through generations.

Idiom '代代相传' (passed from generation to generation).

4

记忆的可靠性经常受到质疑。

The reliability of memory is often questioned.

Noun '可靠性' (reliability) + '受到质疑' (be questioned).

5

他陷入了对往事的深沉记忆中。

He fell into a deep memory of the past.

Verb '陷入' (to fall into/sink into).

6

记忆是连接过去与未来的纽带。

Memory is the bond that connects the past and the future.

Noun '纽带' (link/bond/tie).

7

这些记忆已经刻进了他的灵魂。

These memories have been carved into his soul.

Metaphorical verb '刻进' (carve into).

8

遗忘有时是记忆的一种保护机制。

Forgetting is sometimes a protective mechanism of memory.

Noun '保护机制' (protective mechanism).

1

记忆的褶皱里隐藏着不为人知的真相。

Hidden within the folds of memory are unknown truths.

Highly literary use of '褶皱' (folds).

2

历史记忆的断裂会导致文化认同的危机。

A rupture in historical memory can lead to a crisis of cultural identity.

Complex sociopolitical terminology.

3

他在文字中追寻那些消逝的记忆。

In words, he pursues those vanishing memories.

Verb '追寻' (to pursue/seek) and '消逝' (to vanish).

4

记忆并非客观记录,而是主观建构。

Memory is not an objective record, but a subjective construction.

Philosophical contrast: 客观记录 vs. 主观建构.

5

那段记忆如磐石般沉重,压在他的心头。

That memory was as heavy as a rock, weighing on his heart.

Simile '如磐石般' (like a solid rock).

6

记忆的潮汐在岁月的长河中起伏不定。

The tides of memory ebb and flow in the long river of time.

Extended metaphor: 潮汐, 岁月, 长河.

7

他在记忆的迷宫中寻找出口。

He searches for an exit in the labyrinth of memory.

Metaphor '迷宫' (labyrinth/maze).

8

通过叙事,个体记忆得以升华为集体记忆。

Through narrative, individual memory is sublimated into collective memory.

Advanced verbs '叙事' (narrate) and '升华' (sublimate).

よく使う組み合わせ

美好的记忆
深刻的记忆
记忆力减退
唤起记忆
抹去记忆
集体记忆
长期记忆
记忆犹新
模糊的记忆
记忆芯片

よく使うフレーズ

童年记忆

— Recollections from one's early years. Often used with nostalgia.

童年记忆总是充满色彩。

记忆大湿

— A playful/slang term for someone with an incredible memory. (Literal: Memory Master).

他是个记忆大师,能背下圆周率。

记忆碎片

— Fragments of memory; used to describe disconnected recollections.

我脑子里只剩下一些记忆碎片。

记忆宫殿

— A mnemonic technique (Method of Loci).

他利用记忆宫殿来背诵长诗。

永久记忆

— Permanent memory; something that will never be forgotten.

那次胜利成为了我的永久记忆。

记忆误差

— Memory error; when someone remembers something incorrectly.

这可能是一个记忆误差,我不确定日期。

记忆恢复

— Recovery of memory, often after amnesia or trauma.

他的记忆正在慢慢恢复。

记忆点

— A memorable part of a song, movie, or presentation.

这首歌的副歌部分很有记忆点。

记忆力比赛

— Memory competitions.

他参加了全国记忆力比赛。

记忆重现

— The re-emergence of a memory.

那一幕在我的梦中记忆重现。

慣用句と表現

"记忆犹新"

— To remember as clearly as if it just happened. Literally, 'memory still new.'

那次惊险的经历,我至今记忆犹新。

Formal/Neutral
"刻骨铭心"

— Unforgettable; etched in one's bones and heart. Deeply felt.

那是一段刻骨铭心的爱情。

Literary/Emotional
"历历在目"

— To remain vivid in one's mind; clearly visible as if before one's eyes.

往事历历在目,仿佛就在昨天。

Literary
"过目不忘"

— To have a photographic memory; to remember something after seeing it once.

他有过目不忘的本领。

Praising
"浮想联翩"

— Thoughts and memories crowding into the mind; many fancies or ideas coming up.

看着老照片,我不禁浮想联翩。

Literary
"耿耿于怀"

— To take something to heart; to remember a grudge or a worry constantly.

他对那次失败一直耿耿于怀。

Negative/Neutral
"没心没肺"

— Carefree or mindless; often used for someone who forgets things quickly or doesn't take things to heart.

他这人没心没肺的,从来不记仇。

Informal/Slang
"念念不忘"

— To keep thinking about something; to never forget for a moment.

他对那顿美味念念不忘。

Neutral
"不可磨灭"

— Indelible; something that cannot be erased from memory or history.

他为国家立下了不可磨灭的功勋。

Formal
"恍如隔世"

— As if a lifetime had passed; the feeling when a memory feels very distant yet suddenly present.

回到故乡,感觉一切都恍如隔世。

Literary
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