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March 24, 2026
记忆(記憶)jìyì(ji4yi4)
记忆 (jì yì) refers to the mental faculty of retaining and recalling information, experiences, and skills. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss the concept of memory, whether in cognitive psychology or everyday conversation about recalling events. This term captures both the act of remembering and the result of that process, which can include both short-term and long-term memory.
Strokes9Frequency#1341DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, memory is often associated with education and respect for knowledge. The phrase '铭记于心' (míng jì yú xīn) emphasizes the importance of remembering lessons and experiences as a way to honor them.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant clock (记) with a memory book (忆) next to it. The clock represents the passing of time while you try to remember important moments. The ticking sound reminds you to keep your memories alive, as if time is urging you to hold onto what you’ve learned.
Meanings of 记忆
jìyì(ji4yi4)
1to remember
2to recall
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About 记忆
记忆Simplified
記憶Traditional
9Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1341Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 记忆
Podcast: 记忆
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AI Study Notes for 记忆
Quick Contrast
回忆 (huíyì) refers specifically to the act of recalling past experiences, while 记忆 (jìyì) encompasses the broader concept of memory, including both the process and the stored information.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tones; '记' (jì) is the fourth tone and '忆' (yì) is also the fourth tone, which can lead to confusion if mispronounced. Common collocations include 记忆力 (memory ability) and 记忆深刻 (deep memory), often used in both academic and personal discussions about memory.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 记忆 connects well with other cognitive-related terms like 思考 (sī kǎo - to think) and 学习 (xué xí - to learn). Focus on using it in sentences to describe personal experiences or to discuss topics related to education and cognitive science.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 记忆 (jì yì) with 忘记 (wàng jì - to forget). For example, saying '我记忆了这个' (wǒ jì yì le zhège) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我记住了这个' (wǒ jì zhù le zhège) meaning 'I remembered this'.
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Pronunciation of 记忆
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记忆 (jì yì) refers to the mental faculty of retaining and recalling information, experiences, and skills. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss the concept of memory, whether in cognitive psychology or everyday conversation about recalling events. This term captures both the act of remembering and the result of that process, which can include both short-term and long-term memory.
When to use 记忆
Be cautious with the tones; '记' (jì) is the fourth tone and '忆' (yì) is also the fourth tone, which can lead to confusion if mispronounced. Common collocations include 记忆力 (memory ability) and 记忆深刻 (deep memory), often used in both academic and personal discussions about memory.
记忆 or something close to it
回忆 (huíyì) refers specifically to the act of recalling past experiences, while 记忆 (jìyì) encompasses the broader concept of memory, including both the process and the stored information.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 记忆 (jì yì) with 忘记 (wàng jì - to forget). For example, saying '我记忆了这个' (wǒ jì yì le zhège) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我记住了这个' (wǒ jì zhù le zhège) meaning 'I remembered this'.
Write 记忆
记
忆
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Grammar Patterns of 记忆
记忆 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
