How to say "memory" in Japanese

• 記憶きおくJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe general word for memory as a mental faculty and for recollections of past events; the word to reach for when you simply mean remembering or memories.
  私はその日ひの記憶きおくを呼び覚よびさまそうとした。↗

  I tried to call on my memories of that day.
• メモリーCommon
  nounThe loanword, used chiefly for the memory of computers and electronic devices; it is seldom the word you want for personal recollections, which 記憶 covers.
  メモリ増設ぞうせつしようかな。↗

  Maybe I ought to expand the memory.
• 覚えおぼえJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounMemory of things one has personally experienced, as in having a recollection of something; it also means a sense, such as a sense of having done something.
  どこかであなたにお会あいした覚おぼえがあります。↗

  I remember seeing you somewhere.
• 見覚えみおぼえCommon
  nounSpecifically the memory of having seen something or someone before; use it when a face, place, or thing looks familiar, that is, visual recognition rather than memory in general.
  彼かれは彼女かのじょに見覚みおぼえがある。↗

  He knows her by sight.
• 物覚えものおぼえCommon
  nounMemory as a person's ability to learn and retain new things, rather than particular recollections; it is naturally described as good or poor.
  この子こは物覚ものおぼえが早はやい。↗

  The child is learning quickly.

Use 記憶 for memory in general, 「メモリー」 for computer memory, 「覚え」 for personal recollection or a sense of having done something, 「見覚え」 for visual familiarity, and 「物覚え」 for one's ability to learn and remember.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 記憶きおくmemory
• メモリーmemory
• 覚えおぼえmemory
• 見覚えみおぼえmemory (of having seen something or someone before)
• 物覚えものおぼえmemory
• 記念きねんcommemoration
• 心覚えこころおぼえmemory
• 記憶力きおくりょくmemory
• 記憶装置きおくそうちstorage (device)
• 名表なおもてremains
• 暗記力あんきりょくmemorization power
• 神経衰弱しんけいすいじゃくconcentration
• 宙ちゅう(from) memory
• 空そら(from) memory