memorizar
/memoɾiˈθaɾ/
To memorize in Spanish is to say memorizar.
The verb memorizar means to commit to memory, to learn by heart (verb). The noun form of the verb memorizar is memorización.
Meaning: to commit to memory, to learn by heart (verb)
Which one should you use?
While memorizar is the direct translation, the phrase aprender de memoria is a very common way to express learning something by heart in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle memorizado is used to form compound tenses, such as he memorizado (I have memorized).
How do you pronounce it?
/memoɾiˈθaɾ/
Did you know?
- The term 'memoria' can also refer to a formal written report or a detailed account of events, often called a 'memoria económica' in a business setting.
- In some contexts, if you have memorizado a place, you might say you have it grabado en la mente, literally meaning it is 'engraved in the mind'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, if you say you are studying 'de memoria', it can imply you are rote learning without actually understanding the logic of the subject.
Examples in context
- No es fácil memorizar fechas.It isn't easy to memorize dates.This sentence shows how to use memorizar regarding dates.Tatoeba #1609130 by marcelostockle, translation #1318672 by CK
- Te debes memorizar esta frase.You have to memorize this sentence.This sentence uses memorizar to talk about a specific phrase.Tatoeba #1968738 by marcelostockle, translation #1577806 by rbbrbb
- Nunca conseguí memorizar mi RUN.I never managed to memorize my ID.This sentence uses memorizar in the context of an ID.Tatoeba #1359157 by marcelostockle, translation #1359151 by marcelostockle
- Para el examen, debes aprender de memoria todas las fórmulas matemáticas.For the exam, you must memorize all the mathematical formulas.
- Lo siento, pero no me lo he aprendido de pe a pa.I'm sorry, but I haven't learned it by heart.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are studying for a Spanish exam.
- DanielElena, ¿tienes que memorizar la lista?Elena, do you have to memorize the list?
- ElenaSí, tengo que memorizar todo para mañana.Yes, I have to memorize everything for tomorrow.
- DanielEs difícil memorizar tanto vocabulario.It is difficult to memorize so much vocabulary.
- ElenaEs verdad, pero Daniel, tú me puedes ayudar.It's true, but Daniel, you can help me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “memorize” translations and entries memorizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
