Translation guide
To think, talk, or write about enjoyable past experiences. In Japanese, this is often expressed with verbs meaning 'remember nostalgically', 'talk about old times', or 'look back fondly'.
We sat around reminiscing about our school days.
She often reminisces about her childhood.
To have a conversation with others about shared happy memories.
Literally 'to do memory talk'. This is the most natural way to say you are reminiscing with someone about shared past experiences.
Yesterday, I reminisced with a friend about old times and we had a great time.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to make old stories bloom', i.e., to have a lively conversation reminiscing about the past.
Literally 'to do nostalgic talk'. Emphasizes the feeling of nostalgia while talking about the past.
To privately recall pleasant memories, often with a sense of nostalgia.
General verb for 'recall' or 'remember'. When used about the past with a positive context, it conveys reminiscing.
I often reminisce about summer vacations from my childhood.
Verb meaning 'to feel nostalgic for' or 'to yearn for the past'. More emotional and literary than 思い出す.
Literally 'to be immersed in memories'. Used when someone is lost in nostalgic thoughts.
I reminisced while looking through the photo album.
Formal/literary word for 'recollection' or 'reminiscence'. Rare in everyday speech.
He is reminiscing about the days of his youth.
To reflect on a long period of time, often with a mix of emotions, in a narrative or reflective way.
思い出す is a general verb for remembering, while 懐かしむ specifically implies a fond, nostalgic feeling. Use 懐かしむ when the emotion is central.
Hearing an old song, I fondly reminisced about my school days.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'reminisce'. Avoid direct translations like 回想する in casual contexts; it sounds stiff. Use phrases like 思い出話をする or 懐かしむ depending on the situation.
They spent the evening reminiscing about their trip.
I like to reminisce while looking at old photos.
At the class reunion, we reminisced and had a lively chat about old times.
I enjoyed reminiscing with my grandmother.
He is reminiscing about his school days.
In his autobiography, he reminisces about his life.