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추억하다

A2 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

추억하다

chueokhada Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 추억하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 추억하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '추억하다' as a special way to say 'think about the past.' While you mostly learn '생각하다' (to think) or '기억하다' (to remember) first, '추억하다' is used when you are thinking about happy times. For example, if you look at a photo of your family and feel happy, you are '추억'-ing. It is a '하다' verb, so it follows the same conjugation rules as '공부하다' or '운동하다.' You can say '추억해요' to your friends or teacher. It usually needs an object, like '사진' (photo) or '친구' (friend). At this stage, focus on the idea that it's for 'good memories' only. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just try using it when talking about your favorite vacation or your childhood. It makes your Korean sound much more natural and emotional even with simple sentences. Remember, it's not for remembering a phone number! It's for the 'heart.'

At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing between '기억하다' (functional remembering) and '추억하다' (emotional reminiscing). You can use this verb to describe your hobbies or past experiences in more detail. For instance, when talking about your hometown, you can say '저는 고향을 추억해요' (I reminisce about my hometown). You will often see this word in the past tense '추억했어요' or with the 'while' ending '추억하면서' (while reminiscing). It's a great word to use when you are showing someone photos on your phone. You can also start using the noun form '추억' with other verbs, like '좋은 추억이에요' (It's a good memory). This level is about building the habit of using '추억하다' when the context is sentimental. It helps you move away from repetitive A1 vocabulary and shows you understand the emotional nuances of the Korean language.

At the B1 level, you can use '추억하다' to express deeper feelings and more complex thoughts. You might use it in writing assignments about your life goals or past influences. You should be comfortable with forms like '추억할 만한' (worth reminiscing) to describe experiences. For example, '이번 여행은 정말 추억할 만한 여행이었어요' (This trip was truly a trip worth reminiscing about). You can also understand the difference between '추억하다' and '회상하다' (to reflect), knowing that '추억하다' is more personal and warm. You'll encounter this word in intermediate listening materials, like radio stories or interview segments where people talk about their inspirations. It's also common in social media captions. Try to use it when connecting your past to your present state of mind. It's a key verb for storytelling in Korean, allowing you to bridge the gap between simple facts and meaningful narratives.

At the B2 level, '추억하다' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it to discuss cultural nostalgia or the collective memories of a generation. You should understand how it is used in literature and more formal contexts, such as speeches or essays. You might explore synonyms like '되새기다' (to ponder/dwell on) and see how '추억하다' fits into a broader spectrum of verbs related to memory. At this level, you can use the word to describe not just personal memories, but the way a society '추억's its history. For example, '우리 사회는 그 영웅을 추억하고 있다' (Our society is reminiscing/honoring that hero). You should also be aware of the poetic nuances it carries in song lyrics and how it can be used to set a specific mood in creative writing. Your ability to use '추억하다' appropriately in different registers (formal vs. informal) will demonstrate a high level of linguistic competence.

At the C1 level, you should be able to analyze the philosophical implications of '추억하다.' It's not just a verb; it's a thematic element in Korean art and discourse. You can use it to discuss the psychological benefits of nostalgia or the role of memory in identity formation. You'll recognize its use in classical literature and high-level journalism. You should be able to distinguish the subtle differences between '추억하다,' '회상하다,' '소환하다' (in the sense of bringing back memories), and '복기하다' (to review). You can use '추억하다' in complex sentence structures, such as '과거를 추억하는 행위 자체가 현재의 고통을 치유하는 역할을 한다' (The act of reminiscing about the past itself serves to heal present pain). At this stage, your usage should be flawless, reflecting a deep understanding of the word's emotional and cultural weight within the Korean psyche.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '추억하다' and its place in the vast landscape of Korean vocabulary. You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from academic papers on sociology to avant-garde poetry. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its Hanja roots (追憶). You can engage in deep discussions about how '추억하다' differs from Western concepts of nostalgia, perhaps noting how it often implies a shared, communal experience in the Korean context. You can use it to express irony, longing, or profound respect. Your command of the word allows you to manipulate its nuances to achieve specific rhetorical effects. Whether you are translating complex texts or delivering a keynote speech, '추억하다' is a word you use to evoke a specific, powerful emotional response from your audience, demonstrating total mastery over the emotive power of the Korean language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

추억하다 in 30 Seconds

추억하다 means 'to reminisce' or 'to cherish memories.' It is an emotional verb used for meaningful, usually positive, past experiences rather than factual data.
Commonly used with objects like '어린 시절' (childhood) or '친구' (friend). It is a '하다' verb and conjugates normally (추억해요, 추억했다).
It differs from '기억하다' (to remember) by its focus on nostalgia. Use '기억하다' for facts and '추억하다' for feelings and precious moments.
Frequent in K-Dramas, song lyrics, and social media (e.g., #추억스타그램). It helps build emotional connections between speakers and their shared past.

The Korean verb 추억하다 (chueok-hada) is a beautiful and evocative term that translates most closely to 'to reminisce,' 'to recall with fondness,' or 'to look back on memories.' Unlike the more clinical or functional verb '기억하다' (to remember/recall facts), 추억하다 carries a heavy emotional weight. It implies a process of not just remembering a piece of data, but re-living an experience in one's mind, often with a sense of nostalgia or warmth. When you use this word, you are suggesting that the memory being recalled is significant, sentimental, and usually positive, though it can sometimes involve a 'bittersweet' longing for the past.

Emotional Resonance: This verb is used when the speaker is intentionally dwelling on the past to find comfort or meaning. It is not about remembering where you left your keys; it is about remembering the summer you spent at your grandmother's house.
Usage Contexts: It is frequently found in literature, song lyrics, and deep conversations between friends or family members who are sharing 'the good old days.' It often pairs with nouns like '어린 시절' (childhood), '첫사랑' (first love), or '고향' (hometown).

우리는 카페에 앉아 옛날을 추억했다.
— We sat in the cafe and reminisced about the old days.

In Korean culture, the act of 추억하다 is seen as a way to maintain connections with one's roots and loved ones. It is a reflective action. While '기억하다' is a cognitive function, '추억하다' is a heart-centered activity. If you say you '기억' someone, you know who they are. If you '추억' someone, you are thinking about the times you shared with them and the feelings associated with those moments. This distinction is vital for learners to grasp to sound natural in Korean.

떠난 친구를 추억하며 편지를 썼다.
— I wrote a letter while reminiscing about the friend who left.

Grammatical Flexibility: As a '하다' verb, it can be easily conjugated into various forms like '추억해요' (polite), '추억합니다' (formal), or used as a noun '추억' (memory/reminiscence). It typically takes an object marked by the particle 을/를.

그 시절을 추억하는 것은 나에게 큰 위로가 된다.
— Reminiscing about those days is a great comfort to me.

Furthermore, 추억하다 is often used in the context of reunions or anniversaries. It is the verb of choice when people get together to talk about shared experiences. It creates an atmosphere of shared history and intimacy. If you want to express that you are thinking back on a trip you took with a friend, using this word will convey your appreciation for that trip much better than a simple 'remembering' verb would.

우리는 사진을 보며 여행을 추억했다.
— We looked at the photos and reminisced about the trip.

아름다운 밤을 추억하며 잠이 들었다.
— I fell asleep while reminiscing about the beautiful night.

Using 추억하다 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb that connects a subject to a meaningful past event. The sentence structure is typically: [Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 추억하다. Because this verb is inherently about the past, it is very frequently used in the past tense (~했다) or as a present participle (~하는) describing a person or a state of mind.

Common Objects: The objects of this verb are almost always experiential. You don't '추억' a password or a grocery list. You '추억' a '시절' (period of time), '순간' (moment), '장소' (place), or '사람' (person).

할아버지는 젊은 날을 추억하며 미소를 지으셨다.
— Grandfather smiled while reminiscing about his youth.

When describing a person, 추억하다 suggests that you are recalling the time spent with them rather than just their physical appearance. For example, '그를 추억하다' means to think back on the relationship and shared history you have with him. This is a common way to honor someone who has passed away or moved far away.

우리는 졸업식 날을 추억하기 위해 다시 모였다.
— We gathered again to reminisce about our graduation day.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal writing or speeches, '추억하다' sounds elegant and respectful. In casual conversation, it might sound a bit poetic, so friends often use '그때 생각나?' (Remember that time?) instead, but '추억하다' is perfectly fine when the mood is sentimental.

그녀는 고향 집을 추억하며 눈물을 흘렸다.
— She shed tears while reminiscing about her childhood home.

Another frequent usage is in the form of a noun phrase: '추억할 만한' (worth reminiscing). This is used to describe an event that is so good it will be remembered fondly in the future. For example, '추억할 만한 여행' (a trip worth remembering/reminiscing about).

우리는 오늘을 추억할 수 있는 사진을 찍었다.
— We took a photo so we could reminisce about today.

지나온 길을 추억하며 새로운 시작을 준비하자.
— Let's prepare for a new start while reminiscing about the path we've traveled.

추억하다 is a staple of Korean emotional expression. You will hear it in K-Dramas, variety shows, and K-Pop lyrics constantly. It is the language of connection. In variety shows like 'Infinite Challenge' or 'Running Man,' when they have a 'special' episode looking back at their history, the subtitles and the cast will use this word to describe the feeling of looking at old clips.

K-Pop Lyrics: Listen to ballads or 'fan songs.' Artists use this verb to tell their fans that they will always cherish the memories of their time together. It creates a bond between the singer and the listener.

노래 가사에서 가수는 첫사랑을 추억했다.
— In the song lyrics, the singer reminisced about their first love.

In daily life, you'll hear it at weddings, funerals, and graduation ceremonies. It's used in the phrase '추억하기 위해' (in order to reminisce/remember). For instance, a speaker might say, 'We are here to 추억하다 the life of the deceased.' This gives the word a high-register, respectful quality.

인스타그램에 작년 여행을 추억하는 사진을 올렸다.
— I posted a photo on Instagram reminiscing about last year's trip.

News and Documentaries: News reports on historical anniversaries (like the independence movement) often use this word to describe the nation's collective act of remembering the sacrifices of the past.

다큐멘터리는 옛 서울의 모습을 추억하게 한다.
— The documentary makes one reminisce about the old appearance of Seoul.

You might also hear it in the workplace, though less often than in personal settings. A retiring boss might 추억하다 their long career, or colleagues might 추억하다 a difficult project they successfully finished together. In these cases, it serves to build team spirit and acknowledge hard work through the lens of shared history.

퇴임식에서 사장님은 지난 30년을 추억하셨다.
— At the retirement ceremony, the president reminisced about the past 30 years.

우리는 함께한 시간을 소중히 추억하기로 약속했다.
— We promised to cherish and reminisce about the time we spent together.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 추억하다 is using it as a direct synonym for 'to remember' (기억하다). While they both involve the past, their usage is strictly divided by emotion and context. If you use '추억하다' in the wrong place, you might sound overly dramatic or simply confusing.

Mistake 1: Factual Recall: Do not use '추억하다' for facts, numbers, or tasks. You cannot '추억' your homework or '추억' that you need to buy milk. This is strictly for '기억하다'.

[Wrong] 나는 내 비밀번호를 추억했다.
[Right] 나는 내 비밀번호를 기억해냈다.
— You don't reminisce about a password; you recall it.

Another mistake is using it for purely negative or traumatic events. While you can look back on a hard time, 추억하다 usually implies a sense of 'preciousness.' If you had a terrible car accident, you wouldn't say you '추억' it; you would say you '기억' it or '떠올리다' (it comes to mind).

[Wrong] 어제 사고를 추억하면 무서워요.
[Right] 어제 사고를 생각하면 무서워요.
— Use '생각하다' or '기억하다' for scary or bad memories.

Mistake 2: Tense Confusion: Sometimes learners use the future tense '추억할 거예요' to mean 'I will remember this fact.' Use it only when you mean 'I will look back on this moment fondly in the future.'

우리는 이 순간을 평생 추억할 것이다.
— We will reminisce about this moment for the rest of our lives. (Correct emotional use)

Lastly, be careful with the particle usage. Since it is a '하다' verb derived from a noun, some people try to say '추억을 하다.' While this is grammatically acceptable and common, 추억하다 as a single verb is more concise and frequently used in written and formal spoken Korean. However, avoid saying '추억이 하다' which is a common particle error for beginners.

[Wrong] 좋은 추억이 하고 싶어요.
[Right] 좋은 추억을 만들고 싶어요.
— To 'make' a memory, use '만들다'. To 'reminisce', use '추억하다'.

옛 친구를 추억하는 것은 즐거운 일이다.
— Reminiscing about old friends is a joyful thing.

Korean has several words for 'remembering' or 'looking back,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these alternatives will make your Korean sound more nuanced and sophisticated.

기억하다 (Gieok-hada): The most general word for 'to remember.' It covers everything from remembering a name to remembering a past event. It lacks the inherent 'nostalgia' of 추억하다.
회상하다 (Hoesang-hada): This means 'to reflect' or 'to look back.' It is more formal and literary than 추억하다. It is often used in writing to describe a character looking back on their life path objectively.
되새기다 (Doesaegida): Literally 'to chew over again' (like a cow with cud). It means to ponder or dwell on something deeply, often a lesson or a significant word someone said.

작가는 어린 시절을 회상하며 소설을 썼다.
— The author wrote the novel while reflecting on their childhood.

When comparing 추억하다 and 회상하다, 추억하다 is warmer and more personal. 회상하다 is more analytical and detached. If you are crying because you miss your mom's cooking, you are 추억-ing. If you are writing an autobiography and listing events chronologically, you are 회상-ing.

그는 어머니의 말씀을 가슴에 되새겼다.
— He chewed over (pondered) his mother's words in his heart.

떠올리다 (Tteoollida): This means 'to bring to mind' or 'to recall.' It's often used when a memory suddenly pops into your head. '갑자기 그 친구가 떠올랐어요' (I suddenly thought of that friend).

고향의 향기가 옛 기억을 떠올리게 했다.
— The scent of home brought back old memories.

In summary, choose 추억하다 when the memory is a treasure you want to polish and look at. Choose 기억하다 for facts, 회상하다 for formal reflection, 되새기다 for deep pondering, and 떠올리다 for sudden recall.

우리는 가끔 만나서 옛날 이야기를 하며 추억한다.
— We meet occasionally and reminisce by talking about the old days.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Hanja character for 'Eok' (憶) contains the 'heart' (心) radical, emphasizing that this type of remembering is a function of the heart/emotions rather than just the brain.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɕʰu.ʌk.ʰa.da/

US /tɕʰu.ʌk.ʰa.da/

The stress is relatively even across all syllables in Korean, but the first syllable '추' often carries a slightly higher pitch in standard Seoul dialect.

Rhymes With

기억하다 (gieok-hada) 서약하다 (seoyak-hada) 번역하다 (beonyak-hada) 도약하다 (doyak-hada) 기약하다 (giyak-hada) 부약하다 (buyak-hada) 취약하다 (chwiyak-hada) 조약하다 (joyak-hada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '추' without enough aspiration (sounding like '주').
Merging 'eok' and 'ha' too slowly; in natural speech, it sounds almost like '추어카다' (chueo-kada).
Pronouncing 'eo' like 'o' (chu-ok-ha-da is incorrect).
Over-stressing the final 'da'.
Dropping the 'k' batchim entirely.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to the common '추억' root.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding the nuance vs. 기억하다 to use correctly.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of batchim 'k' before 'h' needs practice for flow.

Listening 2/5

Common in media and songs, making it easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

기억하다 (To remember) 과거 (Past) 생각하다 (To think) 좋다 (To be good) 친구 (Friend)

Learn Next

회상하다 (To reflect) 그리워하다 (To miss/long for) 되새기다 (To ponder) 향수 (Nostalgia) 세월 (Time/Years)

Advanced

반추하다 (To ruminate) 복기하다 (To review/re-examine) 소환하다 (To summon/bring back) 각인되다 (To be engraved/imprinted)

Grammar to Know

-(으)며 (While doing / And)

우리는 차를 마시며 옛날을 추억했다. (We reminisced about the old days while drinking tea.)

-던 (Retrospective noun modifier)

우리가 자주 가던 카페를 추억해요. (I reminisce about the cafe we used to go to often.)

-기 위해 (In order to)

우리는 추억하기 위해 사진을 찍었다. (We took photos in order to reminisce.)

-ㄹ 만하다 (Worth doing)

그 일은 평생 추억할 만하다. (That event is worth reminiscing about for a lifetime.)

-게 하다 (Causative)

이 향기는 나를 추억하게 한다. (This scent makes me reminisce.)

Examples by Level

나는 친구를 추억해요.

I reminisce about my friend.

Simple present tense of 추억하다.

우리는 옛날을 추억해요.

We reminisce about the old days.

Object (옛날) + 추억해요.

사진을 보며 추억해요.

I reminisce while looking at photos.

Using -(으)며 to indicate simultaneous action.

엄마를 추억하고 싶어요.

I want to reminisce about my mom.

-고 싶다 expresses desire.

그곳을 자주 추억해요.

I often reminisce about that place.

Adverb '자주' (often) used with the verb.

우리는 학교를 추억했어요.

We reminisced about school.

Past tense '추억했어요'.

좋은 시간을 추억해요.

I reminisce about the good times.

Adjective '좋은' modifying the object.

할머니가 저를 추억해요.

Grandmother reminisces about me.

Subject-object relationship.

어린 시절을 추억하며 웃었어요.

I laughed while reminiscing about my childhood.

-(으)며 connecting two actions.

우리는 첫 만남을 추억했다.

We reminisced about our first meeting.

Plain style past tense (diary/writing style).

고향 친구들과 옛날을 추억했어요.

I reminisced about the old days with my hometown friends.

With (와/과) friends.

이 노래는 우리를 추억하게 해요.

This song makes us reminisce.

-게 하다 (causative: to make someone do something).

가족과 함께 여행을 추억했어요.

I reminisced about the trip with my family.

Focus on shared experience.

그는 떠난 연인을 추억하고 있다.

He is reminiscing about his departed lover.

-고 있다 (present progressive).

우리는 졸업식을 추억하기 위해 모였다.

We gathered to reminisce about the graduation ceremony.

-기 위해 (in order to).

아름다운 밤을 추억하며 잠들어요.

I fall asleep while reminiscing about the beautiful night.

Simultaneous emotional state.

힘들었던 시간도 이제는 웃으며 추억할 수 있다.

I can now smile and reminisce even about the difficult times.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can/ability).

그곳은 우리가 추억할 만한 장소예요.

That place is a location worth reminiscing about.

-ㄹ 만한 (worth doing).

작가는 자신의 고독을 추억하며 글을 썼다.

The author wrote while reminiscing about their own loneliness.

Using emotions as an object.

우리는 서로의 성공을 추억하며 축배를 들었다.

We raised a toast while reminiscing about each other's success.

Reminiscing as a social activity.

지나간 세월을 추억하는 것은 나이 든 사람들의 즐거움이다.

Reminiscing about passing years is the joy of elderly people.

Noun phrase subject (추억하는 것).

그녀는 일기장을 보며 지난 한 해를 추억했다.

She reminisced about the past year while looking at her diary.

Instrumental use of a diary.

우리는 다시 만날 날을 기다리며 오늘을 추억할 것이다.

We will reminisce about today while waiting for the day we meet again.

Future tense with intent.

어머니는 돌아가신 아버지를 매일 추억하신다.

Mother reminisces about my late father every day.

Honorific form (-신다).

사라져가는 전통을 추억하며 보존하려는 노력이 필요하다.

Efforts to preserve disappearing traditions while reminiscing about them are necessary.

Reminiscing in a societal context.

그 영화는 80년대의 향수를 추억하게 만든다.

That movie makes one reminisce about the nostalgia of the 80s.

Nostalgia as an object of reminiscence.

우리는 실패의 순간조차 소중한 경험으로 추억한다.

We reminisce even about moments of failure as precious experiences.

Reframing negative events.

그는 고통스러웠던 전쟁의 기억을 담담하게 추억했다.

He calmly reminisced about the painful memories of the war.

Adverb '담담하게' (calmly/composedly).

이 박물관은 도시의 역사를 추억하기 위해 세워졌다.

This museum was built to reminisce about (commemorate) the city's history.

Passive voice '세워졌다'.

사람들은 찬란했던 전성기를 추억하며 현재를 견딘다.

People endure the present while reminiscing about their brilliant heyday.

Psychological function of reminiscing.

우리는 함께 땀 흘렸던 시절을 추억하며 다시 힘을 낸다.

We gain strength again while reminiscing about the days we sweated together.

Metaphorical 'sweat' for hard work.

그녀의 목소리는 잊고 지냈던 꿈을 추억하게 했다.

Her voice made me reminisce about the dreams I had forgotten.

Causative structure with an abstract object.

인간은 망각의 동물이지만, 동시에 끊임없이 과거를 추억하는 존재이기도 하다.

Humans are creatures of forgetfulness, but at the same time, they are beings who constantly reminisce about the past.

Philosophical comparison.

그의 수필은 유년 시절의 상처를 따뜻한 시선으로 추억하고 있다.

His essay reminisces about childhood wounds with a warm perspective.

Literary analysis.

우리는 역사의 비극을 추억함으로써 같은 실수를 반복하지 않아야 한다.

By reminiscing about (commemorating) historical tragedies, we must not repeat the same mistakes.

-함으로써 (by doing/through the act of).

디지털 시대에 아날로그의 감성을 추억하는 이들이 늘고 있다.

In the digital age, the number of people reminiscing about analog sensibilities is increasing.

Societal trend description.

그 노신사는 훈장을 어루만지며 치열했던 젊음을 추억했다.

The elderly gentleman reminisced about his fierce youth while stroking his medal.

Evocative imagery.

예술은 잃어버린 시간을 추억하고 재구성하는 과정이다.

Art is a process of reminiscing about and reconstructing lost time.

Abstract definition.

그들은 고인이 남긴 업적을 추억하며 깊은 애도를 표했다.

They expressed deep condolences while reminiscing about the deceased's achievements.

Formal register.

우리는 때로 거짓된 기억을 진실인 양 추억하기도 한다.

We sometimes reminisce about false memories as if they were the truth.

-ㄴ 양 (as if/pretending to be).

추억한다는 것은 단순히 과거를 회상하는 것을 넘어, 현재의 자아를 재확인하는 행위이다.

Reminiscing is not merely reflecting on the past, but an act of reconfirming one's present self.

Metalinguistic analysis.

그 시인은 소멸해가는 것들에 대한 연민을 바탕으로 세상을 추억한다.

The poet reminisces about the world based on compassion for things that are vanishing.

Poetic perspective.

고전 음악의 선율은 시공간을 초월하여 우리를 근원적인 고향으로 추억하게 한다.

The melodies of classical music transcend time and space, making us reminisce about our fundamental home.

Metaphorical usage.

우리는 타인의 삶을 추억함으로써 비로소 인간다운 유대감을 형성한다.

Only by reminiscing about the lives of others do we finally form a truly human bond.

Emphasis on '비로소' (finally/at last).

역사가는 사료를 통해 죽은 자들의 목소리를 추억하고 기록하는 자이다.

A historian is one who reminisces about and records the voices of the dead through historical documents.

Professional definition.

그 영화의 미장센은 관객으로 하여금 집단적 무의식을 추억하게 유도한다.

The film's mise-en-scène induces the audience to reminisce about a collective unconscious.

-로 하여금 (making/letting someone do something).

상실의 아픔을 추억으로 승화시키는 과정이야말로 삶의 가장 숭고한 예술이다.

The process of sublimating the pain of loss into reminiscence is the most sublime art of life.

-이야말로 (indeed/precisely).

우리는 매 순간을 추억하기 위해 사는 것이 아니라, 추억할 만한 순간을 만들기 위해 산다.

We do not live to reminisce about every moment, but rather to create moments worth reminiscing about.

Rhetorical contrast.

Common Collocations

어린 시절을 추억하다

옛날을 추억하다

그 시절을 추억하다

함께한 시간을 추억하다

고인을 추억하다

첫사랑을 추억하다

사진을 보며 추억하다

담담하게 추억하다

소중히 추억하다

추억할 만한 일

Common Phrases

추억에 남다

— To remain as a memory. Used when an event is so good it becomes a permanent memory.

이번 축제는 정말 추억에 남을 것 같아요.

추억을 쌓다

— To build/accumulate memories. Used when doing activities with someone to create shared history.

우리 이번 여행에서 좋은 추억 많이 쌓자.

추억을 소환하다

— To 'summon' memories. A modern/slangy way to say bringing back old memories (often via media).

이 노래가 내 90년대 추억을 소환했어.

추억이 깃들다

— To be imbued with memories. Used for places or objects that hold sentimental value.

이 공원에는 우리의 추억이 깃들어 있다.

추억에 젖다

— To be soaked in memories. Used when someone is deeply feeling nostalgic.

그는 옛 편지를 읽으며 추억에 젖었다.

추억을 되살리다

— To revive a memory. Used when something helps you remember something you forgot.

이 향기가 나의 어린 시절 추억을 되살려 주었다.

좋은 추억으로 남기다

— To leave something as a good memory. Often used when ending a relationship or job politely.

우리의 만남을 좋은 추억으로 남기고 싶어요.

추억 팔이

— Memory selling (slang). Used (sometimes negatively) when someone keeps talking about the past too much.

그 방송은 너무 추억 팔이만 하는 것 같아.

추억 돋다

— Memories 'sprout' (slang). Used when something suddenly makes you feel very nostalgic.

와, 이 장난감 진짜 추억 돋는다!

추억 여행

— Memory trip. Used for the act of looking back at the past, literally or mentally.

오늘 밤에는 사진을 보며 추억 여행을 떠나보자.

Often Confused With

추억하다 vs 기억하다

기억하다 is for facts/data. 추억하다 is for emotional experiences/nostalgia.

추억하다 vs 회상하다

회상하다 is more formal and objective, like looking back at history. 추억하다 is warmer and more personal.

추억하다 vs 생각하다

생각하다 is just 'to think.' It's too broad. 추억하다 is specifically for the past.

Idioms & Expressions

"추억은 방울방울"

— Memories falling like drops. A poetic expression (also a movie title) for memories coming back one by one.

그 시절을 생각하면 추억이 방울방울 떠오른다.

Poetic/Literary

"추억의 책장을 넘기다"

— To turn the pages of the book of memories. A metaphor for reminiscing.

혼자 앉아 조용히 추억의 책장을 넘겨 봅니다.

Literary

"추억이 서려 있다"

— To be filled/steeped with memories. Similar to '깃들다' but more evocative of a lingering feeling.

이 낡은 시계에는 할아버지의 추억이 서려 있다.

Neutral/Formal

"추억 속으로 사라지다"

— To disappear into memories. Used for things that no longer exist except in the past.

그 오래된 극장도 이제는 추억 속으로 사라졌다.

Neutral

"추억을 먹고 살다"

— To live off memories. Used for people who find strength or purpose only in the past.

가끔은 현재보다 추억을 먹고 사는 기분이 든다.

Neutral/Poetic

"추억의 한 페이지"

— A page of memories. Used to describe a specific significant event in one's life.

오늘의 승리는 우리 인생의 소중한 추억의 한 페이지가 될 것입니다.

Formal/Speech

"추억이 가물가물하다"

— Memories are flickering/dim. Used when a memory is becoming hard to recall clearly.

너무 오래전 일이라 추억이 가물가물해요.

Neutral/Informal

"추억을 곱씹다"

— To ruminate on/chew over memories. To think about something over and over to enjoy the feeling.

그녀는 데이트가 끝난 후에도 그 순간을 계속 곱씹으며 추억했다.

Neutral

"추억이 새록새록"

— Memories coming back freshly/vividly. An onomatopoeic expression for memories popping up.

친구들을 만나니 옛날 추억이 새록새록 떠오른다.

Informal/Neutral

"추억을 가슴에 묻다"

— To bury a memory in one's heart. Usually used for painful or secret memories one doesn't talk about.

그는 첫사랑의 추억을 가슴에 묻고 묵묵히 살아갔다.

Literary/Emotional

Easily Confused

추억하다 vs 기억하다

Both translate to 'remember' in English.

기억하다 is cognitive (mental storage). 추억하다 is emotional (sentimental recall). You '기억' a phone number, but you '추억' a first date.

비밀번호를 기억해요 (I remember the password). 첫 데이트를 추억해요 (I reminisce about the first date).

추억하다 vs 회상하다

Both involve looking at the past.

회상하다 is like a documentary (objective, formal). 추억하다 is like a personal photo album (subjective, warm).

작가는 과거를 회상했다 (The author reflected on the past). 친구와 추억했다 (I reminisced with a friend).

추억하다 vs 떠올리다

Both mean a memory comes to mind.

떠올리다 is the act of the memory appearing (sudden). 추억하다 is the act of staying with the memory (intentional dwelling).

이름이 떠올랐다 (The name came to mind). 시절을 추억했다 (I reminisced about the era).

추억하다 vs 기리다

Both involve honoring the past.

기리다 is strictly to honor or commemorate a great person/deed. 추억하다 is more about the personal feeling of remembering.

영웅을 기리다 (To honor a hero). 할아버지를 추억하다 (To reminisce about grandfather).

추억하다 vs 명심하다

Both involve keeping something in mind.

명심하다 is to keep a warning or lesson in mind for the future. 추억하다 is looking back at the past for emotion.

주의사항을 명심하세요 (Keep the precautions in mind). 옛날을 추억해요 (Reminisce about the old days).

Sentence Patterns

[Object]을/를 추억해요.

여행을 추억해요.

[Object]을/를 추억하며 [Action]해요.

사진을 보며 추억하며 웃어요.

[Object]은/는 추억할 만한 [Noun]이에요.

그곳은 추억할 만한 장소예요.

[Subject]이/가 [Object]을/를 추억하게 해요.

이 노래가 나를 추억하게 해요.

[Action]으로써 [Object]을/를 추억하다.

글을 씀으로써 과거를 추억하다.

[Concept]이야말로 [Object]을/를 추억하는 길이다.

기록이야말로 역사를 추억하는 길이다.

[Object]을/를 소중히 추억하다.

우리의 우정을 소중히 추억합시다.

옛날을 추억하고 싶어요.

친구와 옛날을 추억하고 싶어요.

Word Family

Nouns

추억 (Memory/Reminiscence)

추억담 (A story of one's memories)

추억거리 (Something to reminisce about)

추억지 (A place of memories)

Verbs

추억하다 (To reminisce)

추억되다 (To be reminisced about - Passive)

Adjectives

추억 어린 (Filled with memories)

추억 깊은 (Deeply memorable)

기억 (Memory/Fact)

회상 (Reflection)

향수 (Nostalgia)

그리움 (Longing)

과거 (Past)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in emotional or social contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using it for a phone number. → 전화번호를 기억해요.
Numbers are facts, not sentimental memories. Use 기억하다.
Using it for a scary accident. → 사고를 생각하면 무서워요.
추억하다 is usually for positive or meaningful things. Accidents are just negative memories.
Saying '내 추억하다'. → 내가 추억하다 or 나의 추억.
You can't use a possessive pronoun with a verb. Use it as a noun or a subject-verb pair.
Using '추억이 하다'. → 추억을 하다.
The object particle 을/를 is required if you separate the noun and verb.
Confusing it with '회상하다' in casual talk. → 우리 옛날 생각하자 / 추억하자.
회상하다 is too formal for a casual chat with friends.

Tips

Heart vs. Brain

Always remember: 추억하다 is for the heart, 기억하다 is for the brain. If you feel warm inside when thinking about it, use 추억하다.

The Photo Rule

If you are looking at a photo, you are almost always '추억'-ing. Use '사진을 보며 추억해요' as a go-to phrase.

Bonding

Use this word when talking to old friends. It shows you value the time you spent together.

Hashtags

Use #추억 on your social media posts about the past. It's the most common tag for nostalgia.

Adjective Form

Use '추억할 만한' to describe an experience you are having right now that you know you will love later.

Song Titles

Search for songs with '추억' in the title to hear how the word is used in emotional contexts.

Diary Entries

When writing in your diary, use '추억했다' to end your day if you spent time thinking about the past.

The 'Reply' Effect

Watch the drama 'Reply 1988' to see the ultimate cultural expression of '추억하다'.

Batchim Flow

Practice the connection between '억' and '하'. It should sound like '어카' (eok-ha -> eo-kha).

Pairing

Pair '추억하다' with '소중히' (preciously) to sound very sincere and native-like.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CHOO-CHOO' like a train. A 'CHOO-Eok' train takes you back into the past to visit your favorite memories.

Visual Association

Imagine an old film projector (the '추억' machine) playing warm, sepia-toned clips of your childhood on a white wall.

Word Web

추억 (Memory) 사진 (Photo) 옛날 (Old days) 친구 (Friend) 그리움 (Longing) 회상 (Reflection) 눈물 (Tears) 미소 (Smile)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your favorite vacation using '추억하다.' For example: '나는 바다를 추억해요.' (I reminisce about the sea.)

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Korean compound. 'Chu' (追) means 'to chase' or 'to follow,' and 'Eok' (憶) means 'to remember' or 'to think.'

Original meaning: Literally, 'to follow after a memory' or 'to seek out a thought from the past.'

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based).

Cultural Context

Be mindful when using '추억하다' with someone who has experienced trauma; while the word is usually positive, it can trigger deep longing or sadness.

In English, 'reminisce' sounds a bit formal. In Korean, '추억하다' is common in daily speech but still carries an elegant, emotional weight that 'remember' lacks.

The song 'Reminiscence' (회상) by Sanulrim (often associated with the feeling of 추억하다). The movie 'Architecture 101' (건축학개론) which is the ultimate '추억' movie about first love. The variety show 'Sugar Man' which 'summons' singers from the past for the audience to 추억하다.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Reunions

우리 옛날 이야기 좀 하자.
그때 정말 좋았는데.
다들 변한 게 없네.
그 시절이 추억된다.

Looking at Photos

이 사진 기억나?
이때 우리 어디였지?
사진 보니까 추억이 새록새록해.
정말 추억할 만한 순간이야.

Memorials

고인을 추억하며...
그분의 업적을 기립니다.
항상 기억하고 추억하겠습니다.
소중한 추억을 남겨주셨어요.

Travel Retrospectives

여행 사진 정리해야지.
다시 가고 싶다.
정말 좋은 추억이었어.
이곳을 평생 추억할 거야.

Song Lyrics/Poetry

너를 추억하는 밤.
바람에 실려 온 추억.
가슴속에 묻어둔 추억.
추억은 사랑을 닮아.

Conversation Starters

"가장 소중하게 추억하는 어린 시절의 기억이 뭐예요? (What is your most cherished childhood memory?)"

"나중에 한국 여행을 어떻게 추억할 것 같아요? (How do you think you will reminisce about your trip to Korea later?)"

"친구들과 만나면 주로 어떤 일을 추억하나요? (What things do you usually reminisce about when you meet your friends?)"

"사진을 보면서 옛날을 추억하는 편인가요? (Do you tend to reminisce about the old days while looking at photos?)"

"추억하면 항상 웃음이 나는 순간이 있나요? (Is there a moment that always makes you smile when you reminisce about it?)"

Journal Prompts

오늘 하루 중 나중에 추억하고 싶은 순간을 하나 적어보세요. (Write about one moment from today that you want to reminisce about later.)

가장 그리운 장소를 떠올리고 그곳을 추억하며 느낀 점을 써보세요. (Think of the place you miss most and write about your feelings while reminiscing about it.)

첫사랑이나 옛 친구를 추억하며 그들에게 하고 싶은 말을 적어보세요. (Reminisce about a first love or old friend and write what you want to say to them.)

기억(Fact)과 추억(Emotion)의 차이에 대해 자신의 경험을 바탕으로 써보세요. (Write about the difference between memory and reminiscence based on your experience.)

10년 후의 자신이 지금의 자신을 어떻게 추억하길 바라나요? (How do you hope your future self in 10 years will reminisce about your current self?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds strange. 추억하다 usually implies the memory is precious or meaningful. If it's just a bad memory, use '기억하다' or '생각하다'. However, if you are looking back at a hard time that made you stronger, you might use it.

추억 is a noun meaning 'a sentimental memory.' 기억 is a noun meaning 'a factual memory' or the 'ability to remember.' You have a '기억' of where you parked, but a '추억' of your wedding.

It's neutral-to-formal. It's very common in polite conversation (추억해요) and writing. In very casual slang, people might say '추억 돋네' instead.

Yes. '그를 추억하다' means to reminisce about the times you spent with him. It's often used for people who are no longer with us.

You would say '추억이 많아요.' If you want to use the verb, you could say '추억할 것이 많아요' (I have many things to reminisce about).

No, but you can say '나중에 이 순간을 추억할 거예요' (I will reminisce about this moment later).

Usually 을/를 (Object particle). '과거를 추억하다.' If you use the noun, you can say '추억에 잠기다' (into memories).

Rarely. Only in sentimental contexts like a retirement party or a 10th-anniversary celebration of the company.

Usually, but it can be 'bittersweet' (시원섭섭하다 or 아련하다). It's more about the 'value' of the memory than just pure happiness.

Yes, it comes from 追 (to follow) and 憶 (to remember).