回忆
huíyì
In Chinese, memories is translated as 回忆 (huíyì).
回忆 refers to the mental recollections of past events or experiences. If you want to emphasize specific moments or snippets of memories, you can use the phrase 回忆片段.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 回忆 consists of 回 (huí), meaning to return and 忆 (yì), meaning to remember or recollect.
Which one should you use?
While 回忆 (huíyì) refers to the act of recalling or the mental recollections themselves, it is distinct from 记忆 (jìyì), which refers to the faculty of memory or the capacity to retain information.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term memories is expressed as 回憶.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 回忆 can function as both a noun meaning 'memories' and a verb meaning 'to recall' or 'to reminisce'.
How do you pronounce it?
huíyì
Did you know?
- In very formal or written contexts, you might see the word 追忆 (zhuīyì) instead of 回忆. This translates more closely to 'to pursue or trace back memories', often used when honoring the deceased.
- The character 忆 (yì) in 'memories' is often associated with 'heart' or 'mind' in historical calligraphy, suggesting that a memory is not just a thought, but something felt within the internal state of a person.
- While 回忆 is used for nostalgic memories, the word 记忆 is used for technical memory, such as the data stored on a computer hard drive.
Examples in context
- 感谢那些回忆。Thanks for the memories.This sentence is useful for expressing gratitude for past memories using 回忆.Tatoeba #502347 by GlossaMatik, translation #502346 by CM
- 我不愿意勾起久远的回忆。I don't want to stir up old memories.This sentence is useful for describing the desire to avoid stirring up old memories using 回忆.Tatoeba #9518683 by jin1, translation #7585618 by AlanF_US
- 我的回忆My memories
- 宝贵的记忆Precious memories
- 那个夏天的回忆片段Memories (fragments) of that summer
- 这些回忆很美好。Zhèxiē huíyì hěn měihǎo.These memories are very beautiful.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at an old photo album.
- 志强 Zhiqiang这些回忆真让人难忘。Zhèxiē huíyì zhēn ràng rén nánwàng.These memories are truly unforgettable.
- 佳怡 Jiayi是啊，志强，那时候真快乐。Shì a, Zhìqiáng, nà shíhou zhēn kuàilè.Yes, Zhiqiang, we were so happy back then.
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，你还记得那场雨吗？Jiāyí, nǐ hái jìdé nà chǎng yǔ ma?Jiayi, do you still remember that rain?
- 佳怡 Jiayi当然，那也是一段美好的回忆。Dāngrán, nà yěshì yīduàn měihǎo de huíyì.Of course, that was also a beautiful memory.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
