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| 记忆 [2025/08/14 01:51] – created xiaoer | 记忆 [2025/08/17 20:26] (current) – created xiaoer |
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| ====== jìyì: 记忆 - Memory, Recollection ====== | ====== jìyì: 记忆 - Memory, Recollection ====== |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | ===== Quick Summary ===== |
| * **Keywords:** 记忆, jiyi, Chinese for memory, how to say memory in Chinese, remember in Mandarin, 记忆力, Chinese word for recollection, jìyì meaning, HSK 4 vocabulary. | * **Keywords:** 记忆, jiyi, ji yi, memory in Chinese, how to say remember in Chinese, Chinese word for memory, recollection, jiyi meaning, Chinese HSK 4 vocabulary |
| * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word for "memory," **记忆 (jìyì)**. This comprehensive guide breaks down its meaning, character origins, and cultural significance. Discover how to talk about your ability to remember (记忆力), share a fond recollection, and use **jìyì** in everyday conversations with practical examples. Understanding **jìyì** is a cornerstone for any Mandarin learner moving beyond the basics. | * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **记忆 (jìyì)**, which means "memory" or "recollection." This guide explores its use as both a noun (a fond memory) and a verb (to remember), breaking down its characters, cultural significance in areas like education, and practical daily usage. Master the nuances between **记忆 (jìyì)**, **记住 (jìzhù)**, and **记得 (jìde)** with clear examples to avoid common mistakes for English speakers. |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | ===== Core Meaning ===== |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jìyì | * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jìyì |
| * **Part of Speech:** Noun (primarily); Verb (less common) | * **Part of Speech:** Noun, Verb |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 | * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 |
| * **Concise Definition:** The faculty of the mind to store and retrieve information; a recollection of a person, thing, or event. | * **Concise Definition:** The faculty of the mind for storing and recalling information; a thing remembered from the past. |
| * **In a Nutshell:** **记忆 (jìyì)** is the standard, all-purpose word for "memory" in Chinese. It functions just like its English counterpart, covering everything from the brain's abstract ability to remember things, to a specific, cherished memory from your past. It's a neutral term that forms the foundation for many related concepts. | * **In a Nutshell:** **记忆 (jìyì)** is the most direct and common translation for the English word "memory." It can refer to the concept of memory itself (e.g., "She has a good memory") or a specific memory (e.g., "a childhood memory"). While it can also be used as a verb meaning "to remember" or "to commit to memory," this usage is often slightly more formal or technical than other common verbs like [[记得]] (jìde). |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | ===== Character Breakdown ===== |
| * **记 (jì):** This character is composed of 言 (yán), the radical for "speech" or "words," and 己 (jǐ), meaning "oneself." The combination paints a picture of "recording words for oneself," which is the essence of remembering or making a note. | * **记 (jì):** This character means "to record," "to note," or "to remember." It's composed of the "speech" radical (言 yán) on the left and a phonetic component (己 jǐ) on the right. Think of it as "recording" something with words, whether spoken or in your mind. |
| * **忆 (yì):** This character features the "heart" radical 忄(xīn) on the left and 意 (yì), meaning "idea" or "thought," on the right. Together, they signify an idea or feeling held within one's heart or mind—the act of recalling or cherishing a memory. | * **忆 (yì):** This character means "to recall" or "to think of." It features the "heart/mind" radical (心 xīn) on the left, indicating that this is a mental or emotional activity. It's about pulling a thought or feeling from your heart. |
| | * Together, **记 (to record)** and **忆 (to recall from the heart)** create **记忆 (jìyì)**, a comprehensive term that covers the entire process of recording, storing, and retrieving a memory. |
| Combining **记 (to record)** and **忆 (to recall from the heart/mind)** gives us **记忆 (jìyì)**, a complete and nuanced word that encompasses both the mechanical storage of information and the emotional act of recollection. | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== |
| In Chinese culture, **记忆 (jìyì)** holds significant weight, particularly in the realms of education and history. | In Chinese culture, particularly within the traditional education system, having a good **记忆 (jìyì)** has long been highly valued. The practice of **背书 (bèi shū)**, or reciting texts from memory, is a cornerstone of classical learning. Students were expected to memorize vast amounts of classical literature, poetry, and philosophy. This cultural emphasis still surfaces today, where having a strong **记忆力 (jìyìlì)**, or "memory power," is often seen as a sign of intelligence and diligence. |
| Traditionally, the Chinese education system has placed a high value on rote memorization (死记硬背, sǐjì yìngbèi), especially for mastering thousands of characters and classic literature. While sometimes criticized, this approach underscores a belief that a strong memory is the foundation of deep knowledge. | This can be contrasted with some modern Western educational philosophies that may prioritize critical analysis or creative problem-solving over rote memorization. While this is changing in modern China, the cultural respect for a powerful memory remains. Praising someone for their good **记忆** is a genuine compliment, acknowledging their hard work and mental acuity. |
| On a broader scale, collective memory of history is a cornerstone of national identity. Phrases like "never forget the national humiliation" (勿忘国耻, wù wàng guó chǐ) emphasize the importance of historical memory in shaping the present and future. This contrasts with a more individualistic Western perspective, where memory is often framed as a personal, subjective experience. While personal memories are cherished in China, they are often intertwined with family lineage and shared historical narratives. Remembering the deeds and sacrifices of one's ancestors is a key aspect of filial piety (孝, xiào). | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== |
| **记忆 (jìyì)** is a versatile term used in many modern contexts. | **记忆** is a versatile word used in many contexts. |
| * **Talking about Memory as a Faculty:** When discussing your ability to remember, you almost always use the compound word **记忆力 (jìyìlì)**, which literally means "memory power." | * **As a Noun (Most Common):** |
| * e.g., "My memory isn't what it used to be." (我的**记忆力**不如以前了。) | * It's used to talk about the general ability to remember: 我的**记忆**力不好 (Wǒ de **jìyì**lì bù hǎo) - "My memory (power) isn't good." |
| * **Referring to a Specific Memory:** It's used to describe a specific event or feeling from the past, often modified by adjectives. | * It refers to specific memories: 这是我最美好的童年**记忆** (Zhè shì wǒ zuì měihǎo de tóngnián **jìyì**) - "This is my most beautiful childhood memory." |
| * e.g., "a beautiful memory" (一段美好的**记忆**), "a painful memory" (一段痛苦的**记忆**). | * **As a Verb (More Formal):** |
| * **Formal and Written Chinese:** **记忆** is a standard, neutral term appropriate for formal essays, scientific articles about the brain, or any written context. | * It means "to commit to memory" or "to remember," often in a more deliberate or academic sense. For everyday conversation, [[记得]] (jìde) or [[记住]] (jìzhù) are far more common. |
| * **As a Verb:** While less common in spoken Chinese than verbs like 记住 (jìzhù) or 记得 (jìde), **记忆** can be used as a formal verb meaning "to memorize." | * Formal Usage: 学生需要**记忆**大量的词汇 (Xuéshēng xūyào **jìyì** dàliàng de cíhuì) - "Students need to memorize a large amount of vocabulary." |
| * e.g., "The teacher asked us to memorize this text." (老师要求我们**记忆**这篇课文。) | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | ===== Example Sentences ===== |
| * **Example 1:** | * **Example 1:** |
| * 随着年龄的增长，我的**记忆力**越来越差了。 | * 我对童年的**记忆**很模糊。 |
| * Pinyin: Suízhe niánlíng de zēngzhǎng, wǒ de **jìyìlì** yuèláiyuè chà le. | * Pinyin: Wǒ duì tóngnián de **jìyì** hěn móhu. |
| * English: As I get older, my memory is getting worse and worse. | * English: My memory of my childhood is very vague. |
| * Analysis: This is the most common way to talk about your ability to remember. Note the use of **记忆力 (jìyìlì)**, "memory power," instead of just **记忆**. | * Analysis: Here, **记忆** is used as a noun to mean "memory" or "recollection" of a specific period. |
| * **Example 2:** | * **Example 2:** |
| * 这首歌勾起了我很多童年的**记忆**。 | * 随着年龄的增长，他的**记忆**力开始衰退。 |
| * Pinyin: Zhè shǒu gē gōuqǐ le wǒ hěn duō tóngnián de **jìyì**. | * Pinyin: Suízhe niánlíng de zēngzhǎng, tā de **jìyì**lì kāishǐ shuāituì. |
| * English: This song brings back many of my childhood memories. | * English: As he got older, his memory began to decline. |
| * Analysis: Here, **记忆** refers to specific recollections. The verb 勾起 (gōuqǐ), "to evoke" or "to bring to mind," is often used with **记忆**. | * Analysis: This example uses the common compound word **记忆力 (jìyìlì)**, which specifically means "memory power" or "the ability to remember." |
| * **Example 3:** | * **Example 3:** |
| * 我们在北京的旅行是一段美好的**记忆**。 | * 那次旅行给我留下了深刻的**记忆**。 |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen zài Běijīng de lǚxíng shì yí duàn měihǎo de **jìyì**. | * Pinyin: Nà cì lǚxíng gěi wǒ liúxiàle shēnkè de **jìyì**. |
| * English: Our trip to Beijing is a beautiful memory. | * English: That trip left a deep memory (impression) on me. |
| * Analysis: The measure word for a specific, story-like memory is often 段 (duàn). 美好 (měihǎo) means "wonderful" or "beautiful." | * Analysis: This sentence uses **记忆** as a noun, synonymous with "impression" or "recollection." The adjective 深刻 (shēnkè - deep) is often paired with it. |
| * **Example 4:** | * **Example 4:** |
| * 他在那次事故后失去了所有**记忆**。 | * 他努力**记忆**每一个细节。 |
| * Pinyin: Tā zài nà cì shìgù hòu shīqù le suǒyǒu **jìyì**. | * Pinyin: Tā nǔlì **jìyì** měi yí ge xìjié. |
| * English: He lost all his memory after that accident. | * English: He worked hard to remember every detail. |
| * Analysis: **记忆** is used here in a medical or psychological context. The formal term for amnesia is 失忆 (shīyì). | * Analysis: This shows the verb usage of **记忆**, meaning "to commit to memory" through effort. It's more formal than saying 记住 (jìzhù). |
| * **Example 5:** | * **Example 5:** |
| * 有些**记忆**最好还是忘记。 | * 这首歌唤醒了我许多过去的**记忆**。 |
| * Pinyin: Yǒuxiē **jìyì** zuìhǎo háishì wàngjì. | * Pinyin: Zhè shǒu gē huànxǐngle wǒ xǔduō guòqù de **jìyì**. |
| * English: Some memories are best forgotten. | * English: This song awoke many of my past memories. |
| * Analysis: A simple, philosophical sentence showing **记忆** as a general concept. | * Analysis: A very common and natural way to use **记忆** as a noun, referring to multiple past recollections. |
| * **Example 6:** | * **Example 6:** |
| * 他有过目不忘的**记忆**力。 | * 我对这件事完全没有**记忆**。 |
| * Pinyin: Tā yǒu guòmùbùwàng de **jìyìlì**. | * Pinyin: Wǒ duì zhè jiàn shì wánquán méiyǒu **jìyì**. |
| * English: He has a photographic memory. | * English: I have absolutely no memory of this matter. |
| * Analysis: This sentence uses a common idiom, 过目不忘 (guòmùbùwàng), which literally means "to not forget after one look." It's used to describe someone's powerful **记忆力 (jìyìlì)**. | * Analysis: This is the standard way to say you don't remember something at all, treating "memory" as a noun that you possess (or don't). |
| * **Example 7:** | * **Example 7:** |
| * 这是我们这一代人的集体**记忆**。 | * 她的**记忆**力超群，能记住所有客户的名字。 |
| * Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen zhè yí dài rén de jítǐ **jìyì**. | * Pinyin: Tā de **jìyì**lì chāoqún, néng jìzhù suǒyǒu kèhù de míngzì. |
| * English: This is the collective memory of our generation. | * English: Her memory is outstanding; she can remember all the clients' names. |
| * Analysis: This demonstrates the concept of "collective memory," showing the term's use in sociological or historical discussions. | * Analysis: Another example of **记忆力 (jìyìlì)**, highlighting its use to describe someone's inherent ability. |
| * **Example 8:** | * **Example 8:** |
| * 人类大脑的**记忆**功能非常复杂。 | * 这张旧照片是关于我们友谊的珍贵**记忆**。 |
| * Pinyin: Rénlèi dànǎo de **jìyì** gōngnéng fēicháng fùzá. | * Pinyin: Zhè zhāng jiù zhàopiàn shì guānyú wǒmen yǒuyì de zhēnguì **jìyì**. |
| * English: The memory function of the human brain is extremely complex. | * English: This old photo is a precious memory of our friendship. |
| * Analysis: Here, **记忆** is used in a scientific context, paired with 功能 (gōngnéng - function). | * Analysis: **记忆** is used here as a countable noun, "a memory." |
| * **Example 9:** | * **Example 9:** |
| * 你最早的**记忆**是什么？ | * 医生说短暂的**记忆**丧失是正常的。 |
| * Pinyin: Nǐ zuì zǎo de **jìyì** shì shénme? | * Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō duǎnzàn de **jìyì** sàngshī shì zhèngcháng de. |
| * English: What is your earliest memory? | * English: The doctor said that short-term memory loss is normal. |
| * Analysis: A very common and natural question you can use to start a deeper conversation with a friend. | * Analysis: This shows **记忆** used in a more technical or medical context. |
| * **Example 10:** | * **Example 10:** |
| * 老师让我们**记忆**这些生词。 | * 那天的情景至今**记忆**犹新。 |
| * Pinyin: Lǎoshī ràng wǒmen **jìyì** zhèxiē shēngcí. | * Pinyin: Nà tiān de qíngjǐng zhìjīn **jìyì** yóu xīn. |
| * English: The teacher had us memorize these new vocabulary words. | * English: The scene from that day is still fresh in my memory. |
| * Analysis: An example of **记忆** used as a formal verb. In casual speech, people are more likely to use 背 (bèi), as in 背单词 (bèi dāncí). | * Analysis: This uses the popular chengyu (idiom) **记忆犹新 (jìyì yóu xīn)**, which literally means "memory still new." It's a very descriptive way to say you remember something clearly. |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== |
| * **记忆 (jìyì) vs. 记得 (jìde):** This is a critical distinction. **记忆** is the noun "memory." **记得** is the verb "to remember" (in the sense of not having forgotten). | The biggest point of confusion for learners is the difference between **记忆 (jìyì)**, **记得 (jìde)**, and **记住 (jìzhù)**. |
| * **Incorrect:** 你**记忆**我 | * **记忆 (jìyì):** Primarily a **noun** meaning "memory." As a verb, it's formal and means "to commit to memory." |
| | * **记得 (jìde):** A **verb** describing the **state** of remembering, i.e., not having forgotten. It's used in questions like "Do you remember?" |
| | * **记住 (jìzhù):** A **verb** describing the **action and result** of memorizing or successfully remembering something. It's often used in commands like "Remember this!" |
| | **Common Mistake:** Using **记忆** when you should use **记得**. |
| | * **Incorrect:** 你**记忆**我吗？ (Nǐ **jìyì** wǒ ma?) |
| | * **Why it's wrong:** This literally asks, "Do you memory me?" It treats the noun "memory" like a verb for a state of being. |
| | * **Correct:** 你**记得**我吗？ (Nǐ **jìde** wǒ ma?) - "Do you remember me?" |
| | **Common Mistake:** Using **记忆** for a simple command to remember something. |
| | * **Slightly Unnatural:** 请**记忆**我的电话号码。(Qǐng **jìyì** wǒ de diànhuà hàomǎ.) |
| | * **Why it's less common:** This sounds very formal, like you're in a psychology experiment. |
| | * **Correct and Natural:** 请**记住**我的电话号码。(Qǐng **jìzhù** wǒ de diànhuà hàomǎ.) - "Please remember my phone number." |
| | ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== |
| | * [[记住]] (jìzhù) - A verb meaning to memorize or remember successfully. It emphasizes the action and result. |
| | * [[记得]] (jìde) - A verb meaning to remember, in the sense of not having forgotten. It describes a state. |
| | * [[忘记]] (wàngjì) - The direct antonym of remembering: to forget. |
| | * [[回忆]] (huíyì) - To recall; a recollection. This term emphasizes the active process of looking back on the past. |
| | * [[印象]] (yìnxiàng) - Impression. What you remember is often your impression of an event. |
| | * [[纪念]] (jìniàn) - To commemorate or to souvenir. This is about actions or objects that help one remember. |
| | * [[记忆力]] (jìyìlì) - A compound noun meaning "memory power" or one's ability to remember. |
| | * [[失忆]] (shīyì) - Amnesia; to lose one's memory. The direct opposite of having a memory. |
| | * [[背诵]] (bèisòng) - To recite from memory, often related to texts or poems. |