Meaning
To memorize something perfectly.
Cultural Background
The 'oposiciones' are famous exams for state jobs where candidates must recite hundreds of topics 'de memoria' for hours. In primary schools, children learn 'de memoria' the 'Juramento a la Bandera' (Oath to the Flag) and recite it every Monday. Tango culture involves a deep appreciation for lyrics. Fans often know hundreds of 'letras' de memoria and sing along in 'milongas'. The influence of Gabriel García Márquez is so strong that many Colombians can recite the opening lines of 'Cien años de soledad' de memoria.
Use 'Saberse'
If you already know it, use 'Me lo sé de memoria'. If you are in the process of learning, use 'Me lo estoy aprendiendo de memoria'.
Preposition Alert
Never use 'por' or 'con'. It is always 'DE memoria'.
Meaning
To memorize something perfectly.
Use 'Saberse'
If you already know it, use 'Me lo sé de memoria'. If you are in the process of learning, use 'Me lo estoy aprendiendo de memoria'.
Preposition Alert
Never use 'por' or 'con'. It is always 'DE memoria'.
Reflexive Power
Using 'aprenderse' (reflexive) makes you sound much more like a native speaker than just 'aprender'.
Poetry is Key
In Spanish culture, reciting a poem 'de memoria' is a great way to impress people at a dinner party.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la preposición correcta.
Tengo que aprender _____ memoria los verbos.
La frase hecha es siempre 'de memoria'.
Selecciona la opción más natural.
¿Ya _____ el poema para la clase?
El uso reflexivo 'te aprendiste' es el más común y natural en este contexto.
Relaciona la situación con la frase.
Un actor preparándose para una película.
Los actores deben memorizar sus diálogos perfectamente.
Completa el diálogo.
—¿Sabes el número de Juan? —No, no me lo _____ de memoria.
Para decir 'I know it by heart', usamos el verbo 'saber' (me lo sé).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Spanish vs English
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTengo que aprender _____ memoria los verbos.
La frase hecha es siempre 'de memoria'.
¿Ya _____ el poema para la clase?
El uso reflexivo 'te aprendiste' es el más común y natural en este contexto.
Un actor preparándose para una película.
Los actores deben memorizar sus diálogos perfectamente.
—¿Sabes el número de Juan? —No, no me lo _____ de memoria.
Para decir 'I know it by heart', usamos el verbo 'saber' (me lo sé).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot necessarily, but in modern schools, it's often criticized if you don't understand what you're memorizing.
Yes, 'memorizar' is a perfect synonym, just slightly more formal.
Spanish used to say 'by heart' (de cor), but it changed to 'by memory' (de memoria) centuries ago.
It's not strictly required, but it's much more common in spoken Spanish.
You say 'Se me olvidó'. It's the opposite of 'Me lo aprendí de memoria'.
Yes, it's the most common way to talk about remembering numbers, codes, and passwords.
No, for things like swimming or driving, we just use 'saber'.
It's a slangier version of 'de memoria' meaning from start to finish.
In this phrase, we don't use the article. It's just 'de memoria'.
Yes, it is used exactly the same way in Spain and all of Latin America.
You say 'Me lo estoy aprendiendo de memoria'.
No, that is incorrect. Stick to 'de memoria'.
Related Phrases
Saberse de pe a pa
synonymTo know something from start to finish.
Saberse al dedillo
synonymTo know something perfectly.
Memorizar
synonymTo memorize.
Quedarse con algo
similarTo remember something.
Olvidar
contrastTo forget.
