A1 verb Neutral #1,000 most common 1 min read

忘记

wangji /wàngjì/
Practice it

Forgetting is a natural human experience, and this word is essential for daily excuses and reminders.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To fail to remember information or tasks.
  • Commonly used to explain lapses in memory.
  • Frequently paired with '了' to indicate past actions.

Overview

  1. 1概述：‘忘记’是中文中最基础的词汇之一，用于表达记忆的缺失。它既可以指无意间的遗忘，也可以指因疏忽而没有做某事。2) 使用模式：‘忘记’后面可以接名词（如：忘记钥匙），也可以接动词短语（如：忘记吃饭）。在口语中，它常与‘了’连用，表示动作已经完成。3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，我们常用它来解释迟到、没带物品或未完成任务的原因。例如，‘对不起，我忘记了我们的约定’。4) 近义词辨析：‘忘记’侧重于记忆的消失；‘遗忘’较为书面，常用于文学作品或正式场合；‘忘掉’则带有一种主动将其抛诸脑后的情感色彩，而‘忘记’更多是客观状态的描述。

Examples

1

我忘记带钥匙了。

everyday

I forgot to bring my keys.

2

请勿忘记提交报告。

formal

Please do not forget to submit the report.

3

哎呀，我忘了这回事儿！

informal

Oops, I totally forgot about that!

4

此项研究不应忘记历史背景。

academic

This research should not ignore the historical context.

Common Collocations

忘记带东西 forget to bring something
忘记时间 lose track of time
忘记承诺 forget a promise

Common Phrases

忘得一干二净

completely forgotten

别忘记

don't forget

差点忘记

almost forgot

Often Confused With

忘记 vs 遗忘

This is a more literary or formal term. It is rarely used in daily conversation compared to '忘记'.

忘记 vs 忽略

This means to neglect or overlook something intentionally or unintentionally, whereas '忘记' specifically refers to a memory lapse.

Grammar Patterns

忘记 + [名词] 忘记 + [动词短语] 忘记 + [小句]

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word '忘记' is neutral in register but often requires '了' for natural flow in past tense. Use it freely in daily life. Avoid using it too bluntly when addressing superiors or elders.

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to add '了' when describing a past event, making the sentence sound incomplete. Another mistake is using it as an adjective; it is strictly a verb. Ensure the object follows the verb correctly.

Tips

💡

Use '了' for completed actions

When you have already forgotten something, add '了' after '忘记' to make it natural. For example, say '我忘记了' instead of just '我忘记'.

⚠️

Avoid bluntness with superiors

Asking someone if they forgot something directly can sound accusatory. Use polite alternatives to maintain social harmony.

🌍

Saving face in conversation

In Chinese culture, directly pointing out someone's forgetfulness can cause embarrassment. Try to soften your tone when reminding others.

Word Origin

The character 忘 consists of 亡 (disappear) and 心 (heart), implying that the thought has disappeared from one's mind. It reflects the ancient understanding of memory as a function of the heart.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, remembering commitments is a sign of respect. Forgetting is often treated as a slight social error, hence the importance of using polite language when mentioning it.

Memory Tip

Think of '忘' (the heart radical at the bottom) + '亡' (to die/disappear). When something 'dies' in your 'heart/mind', you have forgotten it!

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

两者意思基本相同，可以互换使用。“忘了”在口语中更常用，听起来更随意；“忘记”在书面语和正式场合中使用频率稍高。

最好不要直接这样问，因为这可能显得不太礼貌。建议改用“您还记得吗？”或“您可能记错了吧”，这样沟通会更委婉。

可以。“我忘记过这件事”表示在过去的某个时间点曾发生过遗忘，强调经历。

可以使用“忘得一干二净”来表达那种彻底想不起来的状态，这是一种非常地道的表达方式。

Test Yourself

fill blank

不好意思，我___带钱包了。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 忘了

在口语中，表达没带东西的疏忽，用“忘了”最自然。

multiple choice

选择最贴切的描述：

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我把这件事忘得一干二净。

“忘得一干二净”是描述彻底忘记的固定搭配。

sentence building

我 / 名字 / 他的 / 忘记 / 了

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我忘记了他的名字。

这是标准的“主-谓-宾”结构。

Score: /3

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