Translation guide
How to express 'memorise' in Japanese, from casual to formal, with common verbs and phrases.
To commit something to memory, learn by heart.
The most common and versatile verb for 'memorise' or 'learn'. Used for facts, words, routes, etc.
To learn something so well you can recall it perfectly.
To learn a sequence of actions or a path.
覚える is the general verb for 'learn' or 'memorise' and is used in daily life. 暗記する specifically means 'memorise by rote' and is often associated with studying. Using 暗記する for everyday things like a friend's name can sound unnatural.
友達の名前を覚える。
I memorise my friend's name. (natural)
友達の名前を暗記する。
I memorise my friend's name. (unnatural, sounds like cramming)
単語を覚える。
I memorise vocabulary.
電話番号を覚えた。
I memorised the phone number.
Specifically 'memorise' by rote, often for tests or recitation. Slightly more formal than 覚える.
歴史の年号を暗記する。
I memorise historical dates.
詩を暗記した。
I memorised the poem.
Formal/literary term for 'memorise' or 'commit to memory'. Often used in technical or psychological contexts.
データを記憶する。
The computer stores data.
To be able to recite from memory. Literally 'can say by heart'.
彼はシェイクスピアをそらで言える。
He can recite Shakespeare from memory.
Casual expression meaning 'to get something into one's head', i.e., memorise.
このリストを頭に入れておいて。
Memorise this list.
Same as general memorisation, but used for routes, steps, etc.
To learn through physical repetition, 'learn by heart' in a bodily sense.
踊りの振り付けを体で覚える。
I memorise the dance moves with my body.