The verb 'oboeru' is used for both mental memorization and physical skill acquisition.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Retaining information in your memory.
- Mastering a new skill or ability.
- Perceiving a feeling or physical sensation.
Usage Patterns
主に「〜を覚える（情報を記憶する）」や「〜を覚える（技術を体得する）」という形で使われます。また、感情や感覚を感じるという意味（例：恐怖を覚える）で使われることもあります。
Similar Words comparison
「思い出す」は一度忘れたことが意識に戻ってくることに対し、「覚える」は情報を保持し続けることを指します。「暗記する」は機械的に丸暗記するニュアンスが強く、「覚える」よりも限定的です。
Examples
新しい単語を覚える。
everydayI memorize new words.
会議の内容を詳しく覚えています。
formalI remember the meeting details in detail.
ピアノの弾き方を覚えた。
informalI learned how to play the piano.
彼はその恐怖を覚えている。
academicHe remembers that fear.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
よく覚えている
I remember it well
覚えが悪い
slow to learn
覚えたて
just learned
Often Confused With
Omoidasu means to recall something that was temporarily forgotten. Oboeru is to retain information.
Anki-suru specifically refers to rote memorization (cramming). Oboeru is more general.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Oboeru is a neutral verb used in all levels of formality. It can describe both the act of memorizing and the state of having remembered something. Be careful not to use it for 'recalling' which is omoidasu.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'oboeru' when they mean 'omoidasu' (to recall). Also, ensure you use the particle 'o' before the verb. It is not used for 'knowing' a fact, which is 'shiru'.
Tips
Use with objects
Always use the particle 'o' (を) to indicate what you are memorizing. For example, 'tango o oboeru' means to memorize vocabulary.
Don't confuse with omoidasu
Remember that 'oboeru' is about keeping information, whereas 'omoidasu' is about recalling something you forgot.
Mastery in Japanese culture
In Japan, 'oboeru' is often used for traditional arts like tea ceremony, implying not just memorizing steps but internalizing them.
Word Origin
The word stems from the concept of 'keeping something in one's heart or mind'. It is a fundamental verb in Japanese for cognitive retention.
Cultural Context
In Japan, memorization is a key part of education. 'Oboeru' is used from childhood for learning Kanji, reflecting the importance of rote learning in the culture.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Oboeru' as 'Oh, boy, I have to keep this in my head!' It helps to bridge the gap between effort and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsはい、そうです。「覚える」は記憶すること、「忘れる」は記憶を失うことを指します。対義語としてセットで覚えると効率的です。
新しい単語を学ぶ時や、人の名前を記憶する時、あるいはピアノなどの技術を習得する時に使います。日常的に非常に汎用性が高い言葉です。
「知る」は情報に触れることですが、「覚える」はそれを自分の記憶として定着させるプロセスを指します。知っているだけではなく、記憶に刻むというニュアンスが含まれます。
はい、「恐怖を覚える」や「違和感を覚える」のように、感覚や感情を抱くという意味で使われることがあります。これは記憶とは別の用法です。
Test Yourself
新しい単語を___。
新しい知識を記憶に入れるという文脈では「覚える」が最適です。
次のうち、正しい文はどれですか？
「覚えている」は記憶が保持されている状態を表します。
（漢字を / 毎日 / 私は / 覚えます）
日本語の基本語順「主語＋時間＋目的語＋動詞」に従っています。
Score: /3
Summary
The verb 'oboeru' is used for both mental memorization and physical skill acquisition.
- Retaining information in your memory.
- Mastering a new skill or ability.
- Perceiving a feeling or physical sensation.
Use with objects
Always use the particle 'o' (を) to indicate what you are memorizing. For example, 'tango o oboeru' means to memorize vocabulary.
Don't confuse with omoidasu
Remember that 'oboeru' is about keeping information, whereas 'omoidasu' is about recalling something you forgot.
Mastery in Japanese culture
In Japan, 'oboeru' is often used for traditional arts like tea ceremony, implying not just memorizing steps but internalizing them.
Examples
4 of 4新しい単語を覚える。
I memorize new words.
会議の内容を詳しく覚えています。
I remember the meeting details in detail.
ピアノの弾き方を覚えた。
I learned how to play the piano.
彼はその恐怖を覚えている。
He remembers that fear.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More education words
欠席する
A2To be absent.
抽象的
A1Describes something that is based on general ideas or concepts rather than specific physical objects or examples. It is often used to talk about thoughts, art, or explanations that are not easy to see or touch.
後天的
B2Refers to qualities, skills, or traits acquired through experience, learning, or environmental influence after birth.
応用
A1The act of applying a principle, theory, or knowledge to a practical situation or a different context. It is commonly used in education and science to describe moving from basic concepts to complex, real-world problems.
適性
B2A natural ability or suitability for a specific role, task, or academic path. It refers to the fitness of an individual's character or skills to a certain environment.
恣意的
B2Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. Often used in academic writing to criticize research methods or data selection.
出席する
A2To attend.
ボールペン
A2ballpoint pen
基本
A1Kihon refers to the fundamentals or basics of a subject, skill, or system. it describes the essential foundation that one must master before advancing to more complex levels.
有益
B2Being useful, beneficial, or profitable. It describes something that brings a positive effect or helps in achieving a goal.
