Translation guide
The English verb "recollect" means to remember something, often with some effort. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on whether you are actively trying to recall, suddenly remembering, or simply not forgetting. This guide covers common verbs and phrases for different nuances of recollection.
You are making an effort to bring something back to mind.
The most common and versatile verb for 'recall' or 'recollect'. It implies an active or spontaneous act of remembering. Transitive verb.
I can't recollect his name.
I'm trying to recollect what happened yesterday.
Similar to 思い出す but slightly more literary or deliberate. Often used when intentionally bringing back memories.
I recollect the hardships of those days.
Literally 'to trace one's memory'. Used when you are trying to recollect something step by step, like retracing events.
I traced my memory and recollected what he said.
Something comes to mind without deliberate effort, often triggered by a cue.
To suddenly realize or recollect something upon hearing or seeing a clue. Often used when a piece of information makes you remember.
Hearing that story, I recollected something.
To suddenly remember or recollect without any particular reason. 'ふと' adds the nuance of 'unexpectedly' or 'casually'.
I suddenly recollected an old memory.
To not forget; to retain in memory.
The most common way to say 'I remember' or 'I recollect'. It describes the state of having something in memory. Often used in present continuous form.
I recollect his face well.
I still recollect that day.
To memorize or commit to memory. More formal and deliberate than 覚える. Often used in technical or academic contexts.
It's difficult to recollect that number.
To look back on memories with a sense of nostalgia.
思い出す is an action: 'to recall' (often with effort or a trigger). 覚えている is a state: 'to remember' (to have in memory). Use 覚えている when you simply have the memory, and 思い出す when you bring it to mind.
Do you remember his name? (Is it in your memory?)
Can you recollect his name? (Can you bring it to mind?)
The loanword リコレクト is not commonly used in Japanese. Stick to native verbs like 思い出す or 覚えている.
I can't recollect where I put my keys.
She recollected the events of that evening.
I recollected old times while looking at the photo album.