Translation guide
The English word "memory" covers several distinct concepts: the mental faculty, a specific recollection, the capacity of a device, and the act of commemoration. Japanese uses different words for each.
The ability to remember things in general.
The general term for memory as a cognitive function. Used in both everyday and technical contexts.
He has a good memory.
Memory declines with age.
Refers specifically to the ability to learn or memorize things. Often used in the phrase 物覚えがいい/悪い.
He picks things up quickly (has a good memory for learning).
Something remembered from the past; a mental image or experience.
A personal, often emotional memory. Commonly used for cherished or nostalgic memories.
We talked about childhood memories.
Can also refer to a specific memory, but is more neutral/clinical than 思い出. Often used when the emotional aspect is not emphasized.
Reminiscence or recollection, often used in literary or formal contexts.
The amount of data a device can store, or the storage itself.
The standard term for computer memory (RAM). Also used for memory cards, etc.
This PC has 8GB of memory.
There isn't enough memory.
Often used for storage (as opposed to RAM), like hard drives or flash storage.
Something done or made to honor and remember a person or event.
Used to say 'in memory of' or 'to commemorate'. Attach to the thing being commemorated.
A scholarship was established in his memory.
Mourning or memorial, specifically for the deceased. Often used in phrases like 追悼式 (memorial service).
A keepsake or memento left by a deceased person; something kept in memory of them.
思い出 (omoide) is for personal, emotional memories (e.g., childhood memories). 記憶 (kioku) is for factual memory or the cognitive ability. Use 思い出 when you want to emphasize the sentimental value.
メモリ (memori) only refers to computer memory. Using it for human memory sounds very unnatural. Use 記憶 (kioku) instead.
I want to make good memories.
I have no memory of that day.
彼は過去を回想した。
He reminisced about the past.
Literally 'memory capacity'. More technical, used for storage devices.
This smartphone has a memory capacity of 128GB.
I save photos on cloud storage.
追悼の意を表する。
To express one's condolences / pay tribute to the memory of someone.
I treasure my grandmother's ring as a keepsake.