暗記
anki[ã̠ŋʲkʲi]
The Japanese word for memorization is 暗記 (anki).
暗記 is typically used for the rote memorization of specific facts, data or sequences, such as vocabulary or mathematical formulas.
Meaning: act of committing something to memory (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 暗 (dark/hidden) and 記 (to write/record), literally meaning 'to record in the dark' or 'to record in one's mind'.
Which one should you use?
While 暗記 specifically refers to the act of memorizing or committing something to memory by repetition, other terms cover different aspects of memory. For example, 記憶 refers to the general concept of memory and 記憶術 conveys the idea of memory techniques or mnemonic strategies.
How do you pronounce it?
anki
Did you know?
- If you are using a flashcard app to study, you might see the name Anki. This is actually the phonetic Japanese pronunciation of the word 暗記.
- In Japanese schools, students often practice 暗記 through a method called 'writing until it sinks in', where they write a word dozens of times on a sheet of paper to lock it into memory.
- The compound 暗記 finds its linguistic roots in Middle Chinese, where it was also used to describe the act of committing things to heart.
Examples in context
- 暗記だけ競ってもしょうがない。It's senseless to judge based on memorization.This sentence uses 暗記 to show that judging solely on rote memorization is unhelpful.Tatoeba #10901658 by small_snow, translation #12613016 by urro
- 数学はただ公式を暗記すればいいというものではない。Mathematics is not just the memorization of formulas.This sentence uses 暗記 to explain that mathematics involves more than just memorizing formulas.Tatoeba #5308 by bunbuku, translation #2126 by jakov
- 単語の暗記にはコツがあります。Tango no anki ni wa kotsu ga arimasu.There are tips for the memorization of vocabulary.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are studying for an exam in the library.
- 結衣 Yui陽太、テスト勉強は進んでる？Yota, tesuto benkyo wa susunderu?Yota, how is your studying for the test going?
- 陽太 Yota暗記する内容が多くて大変だよ。Anki suru naiyo ga okute taihen dayo.There is so much to memorize, it's tough.
- 結衣 Yui効率的な暗記の方法を教えようか？Kouritsuteki na anki no houhou o oshieyou ka?Shall I teach you an efficient method of memorization?
- 陽太 Yotaぜひお願い！Zehi onegai!Yes, please!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “memorization” translations and entries 暗記, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 暗記, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
