Memory is the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
Word in 30 Seconds
- The brain's ability to store and recall information.
- Crucial for learning and daily life.
- Can be improved or may decline.
Overview
记忆力（jì yì lì）是人类认知功能的核心组成部分，指的是大脑存储、保持和检索信息的能力。它使我们能够学习、适应环境、形成身份认同，并从过去的经验中受益。良好的记忆力对于学业、职业发展和日常生活都至关重要。记忆力并非单一实体，而是涉及多个脑区和认知过程的复杂系统，包括短期记忆、长期记忆、工作记忆等不同类型。
“记忆力”通常用作名词，可以修饰，如“记忆力很好/差”、“记忆力衰退”、“提高记忆力”、“记忆力惊人”等。它也可以与表示程度或范围的词语连用，例如“记忆力不如从前”、“记忆力覆盖了大部分内容”。在句中，它可以是主语、宾语或定语。
记忆力这个词在教育（如学生学习、考试）、健康（如老年人健忘、阿尔茨海默病）、心理学（如记忆机制研究）、日常交流（如回忆往事、健忘的趣事）以及科技（如人工智能的记忆模型）等多个领域都有广泛应用。例如，我们会谈论“孩子记忆力特别好”，或者“随着年龄增长，记忆力有所下降”。
“记忆”更侧重于“记住”这个动作或“被记住的东西”（回忆、记忆）。例如，“这段记忆我永远不会忘记。”而“记忆力”则特指“记住东西的能力”。
“回忆”是指“回想过去的事情”，是一个动词或名词，侧重于“提取”和“重现”信息的过程，而“记忆力”是产生这个过程的“能力”。
“记性”与“记忆力”意思非常接近，有时可以互换使用，但“记性”更偏口语化，有时也带有一点主观评价的意味，比如“他记性真好！”或者“我的记性大不如前了”。“记忆力”则更书面化、更学术化。
Examples
她的记忆力非常好，几乎过目不忘。
everydayHer memory is excellent; she can almost memorize anything at a glance.
研究表明，规律的体育锻炼能够有效增强成年人的记忆力。
academicResearch indicates that regular physical exercise can effectively enhance adults' memory capacity.
哎呀，我这记性越来越差了，刚才想说什么来着？
informalOh dear, my memory is getting worse and worse, what was I just about to say?
老年痴呆症是一种以进行性认知功能下降，特别是记忆力衰退为主要特征的神经系统疾病。
medicalAlzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, particularly memory impairment.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
记忆犹新
memory is still fresh
过目不忘
to have a photographic memory; to remember after one glance
记忆合金
shape-memory alloy
Often Confused With
'记忆' can refer to the act of remembering or the memory itself (the stored information). '记忆力' specifically refers to the *capacity* or *ability* to remember.
'记性' is a more colloquial term for memory, often used in informal speech. '记忆力' is more formal and can sound more technical or scientific.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '记忆力' is widely understood and used across various registers, from everyday conversation to academic and medical contexts. While '记性' is a common synonym in spoken Chinese, '记忆力' often lends a more formal or precise tone. When discussing cognitive functions or potential health issues, '记忆力' is generally preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes confuse '记忆力' (memory capacity) with '记忆' (a specific memory or the act of remembering). Ensure you are referring to the ability rather than a single instance or the process. Also, avoid using overly casual terms like '记性' in very formal writing.
Tips
Strengthen Your Recall Power
Engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles or learning a new skill. Regularly test yourself to reinforce what you've learned.
Beware of Overload
Trying to memorize too much information at once can overwhelm your memory capacity. Break down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks.
Memory in Culture
Many cultures value elders for their long-term memory and wisdom. Storytelling traditions often rely on collective memory passed down through generations.
Word Origin
The word '记忆力' is composed of '记' (jì - to remember), '忆' (yì - to recall, memory), and '力' (lì - power, force, ability). Together, they literally mean the 'power/ability to remember and recall'.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, a strong memory is highly valued, particularly in academic settings where rote memorization plays a significant role. Elders are often respected for their accumulated memories and life experiences.
Memory Tip
Think of '记忆力' as your brain's 'storage drive capacity'. A bigger or faster drive (good memory) holds more and retrieves faster, while a smaller or slower one (poor memory) struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions可以通过保证充足睡眠、均衡饮食、进行体育锻炼、学习新知识、使用记忆技巧（如联想、分类）等多种方式来提高记忆力。
遗忘是正常的，可能的原因包括信息干扰、注意力不集中、缺乏复习、压力过大或某些健康问题。随着年龄增长，记忆力自然会有所衰退。
两者意思相近，都指记住东西的能力。“记性”更口语化，而“记忆力”更书面化和学术化，有时也更强调能力的客观衡量。
睡眠质量、营养摄入、情绪状态、年龄、健康状况（如疾病、药物副作用）以及生活方式（如是否吸烟饮酒）等都会对记忆力产生影响。
Test Yourself
随着年龄的增长，他的______明显下降了。
根据语境，描述的是随着年龄增长而变差的能力，结合选项，“记忆力”是最符合的。
下列哪项是对“记忆力”的最佳描述？
“记忆力”的核心定义就是指大脑处理和回忆信息的能力。
请用“记忆力”、“提高”、“健康的生活方式”和“有助于”来构建一个句子。
这个选项清晰地表达了健康生活方式对提升记忆力的积极作用，符合逻辑关系。
Score: /3
Summary
Memory is the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.
- The brain's ability to store and recall information.
- Crucial for learning and daily life.
- Can be improved or may decline.
Strengthen Your Recall Power
Engage in mentally stimulating activities like puzzles or learning a new skill. Regularly test yourself to reinforce what you've learned.
Beware of Overload
Trying to memorize too much information at once can overwhelm your memory capacity. Break down complex information into smaller, manageable chunks.
Memory in Culture
Many cultures value elders for their long-term memory and wisdom. Storytelling traditions often rely on collective memory passed down through generations.
Examples
4 of 4她的记忆力非常好，几乎过目不忘。
Her memory is excellent; she can almost memorize anything at a glance.
研究表明，规律的体育锻炼能够有效增强成年人的记忆力。
Research indicates that regular physical exercise can effectively enhance adults' memory capacity.
哎呀，我这记性越来越差了，刚才想说什么来着？
Oh dear, my memory is getting worse and worse, what was I just about to say?
老年痴呆症是一种以进行性认知功能下降，特别是记忆力衰退为主要特征的神经系统疾病。
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, particularly memory impairment.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
