jìyì: 记忆 - Memory, Recollection

• 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.
• 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.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jìyì
• Part of Speech: Noun (primarily); Verb (less common)
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: The faculty of the mind to store and retrieve information; a recollection of a person, thing, or event.
• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

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.

In Chinese culture, 记忆 (jìyì) holds significant weight, particularly in the realms of education and history. 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. 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).

记忆 (jìyì) is a versatile term used in many modern 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.”
  • e.g., “My memory isn't what it used to be.” (我的记忆力不如以前了。)
• Referring to a Specific Memory: It's used to describe a specific event or feeling from the past, often modified by adjectives.
  • e.g., “a beautiful memory” (一段美好的记忆), “a painful memory” (一段痛苦的记忆).
• Formal and Written Chinese: 记忆 is a standard, neutral term appropriate for formal essays, scientific articles about the brain, or any written context.
• 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.”
  • e.g., “The teacher asked us to memorize this text.” (老师要求我们记忆这篇课文。)

• Example 1:
  • 随着年龄的增长，我的记忆力越来越差了。
  • Pinyin: Suízhe niánlíng de zēngzhǎng, wǒ de jìyìlì yuèláiyuè chà le.
  • English: As I get older, my memory is getting worse and worse.
  • 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.
• Example 2:
  • 这首歌勾起了我很多童年的记忆。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shǒu gē gōuqǐ le wǒ hěn duō tóngnián de jìyì.
  • English: This song brings back many of my childhood memories.
  • 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.
• Example 3:
  • 我们在北京的旅行是一段美好的记忆。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen zài Běijīng de lǚxíng shì yí duàn měihǎo de jìyì.
  • English: Our trip to Beijing is a beautiful memory.
  • Analysis: The measure word for a specific, story-like memory is often 段 (duàn). 美好 (měihǎo) means “wonderful” or “beautiful.”
• Example 4:
  • 他在那次事故后失去了所有记忆。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài nà cì shìgù hòu shīqù le suǒyǒu jìyì.
  • English: He lost all his memory after that accident.
  • Analysis: 记忆 is used here in a medical or psychological context. The formal term for amnesia is 失忆 (shīyì).
• Example 5:
  • 有些记忆最好还是忘记。
  • Pinyin: Yǒuxiē jìyì zuìhǎo háishì wàngjì.
  • English: Some memories are best forgotten.
  • Analysis: A simple, philosophical sentence showing 记忆 as a general concept.
• Example 6:
  • 他有过目不忘的记忆力。
  • Pinyin: Tā yǒu guòmùbùwàng de jìyìlì.
  • English: He has a photographic memory.
  • 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).
• Example 7:
  • 这是我们这一代人的集体记忆。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen zhè yí dài rén de jítǐ jìyì.
  • English: This is the collective memory of our generation.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the concept of “collective memory,” showing the term's use in sociological or historical discussions.
• Example 8:
  • 人类大脑的记忆功能非常复杂。
  • Pinyin: Rénlèi dànǎo de jìyì gōngnéng fēicháng fùzá.
  • English: The memory function of the human brain is extremely complex.
  • Analysis: Here, 记忆 is used in a scientific context, paired with 功能 (gōngnéng - function).
• Example 9:
  • 你最早的记忆是什么？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zuì zǎo de jìyì shì shénme?
  • English: What is your earliest memory?
  • Analysis: A very common and natural question you can use to start a deeper conversation with a friend.
• Example 10:
  • 老师让我们记忆这些生词。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī ràng wǒmen jìyì zhèxiē shēngcí.
  • English: The teacher had us memorize these new vocabulary words.
  • 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).

• 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).
  • Incorrect: 你记忆我