memoria
/meˈmoɾja/feminine
The English word 'memory' is translated into Spanish as memoria.
memoria is used to describe the mental or biological faculty of remembering. It is also the term used in computing to refer to computer memory, such as RAM or storage.
Meaning: ability to recall (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use memoria when referring to the capacity or faculty of memory. In contrast, use recuerdo when you are talking about a specific memory or a particular recollection of a past event.
How does it change in a sentence?
memoria is a feminine noun. Because of this, it is preceded by the feminine article la (the memory) instead of el.
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈmoɾja/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use recuerdo to refer to the mental faculty of memory. recuerdo is only used for a single recollection or a specific moment. Use memoria for the faculty itself.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, memoria also refers to a written report or a formal summary of activities, such as a 'yearly report' called memoria anual.
- In Spanish, you can say someone has a 'memoria de elefante' to describe an incredible ability to recall things. While English speakers say 'memory of an elephant', the Spanish expression is a common way to praise someone's mental capacity.
- The Latin origin of memoria links it directly to the English word 'commemorate', through the concept of keeping something in mind.
Examples in context
- Él perdió la memoria.He lost his memory.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has lost their memoria.Tatoeba #1137031 by marcelostockle, translation #295136 by CK
- Él tiene buena memoria.He has a good memory.This sentence is useful for describing someone who has a good memoria.Tatoeba #1466202 by marcelostockle, translation #293154 by CH
- Ella perdió la memoria.She lost her memory.Tatoeba #9990751 by manufrutos, translation #8665009 by ET
- La memoria humana es increíblemente compleja.The human memory is incredibly complex.
- Guardo el recuerdo de aquel día especial.I cherish the memory of that special day.
- La reminiscencia de aquel viaje me llena de alegría.The reminiscence of that trip fills me with joy.
- Tengo buenos recuerdos de nuestra infancia.I have good memories of our childhood.
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are studying for an exam together.
- SofíaNo puedo recordar la fecha exacta.I cannot remember the exact date.
- AlejandroTu memoria está fallando hoy, Sofía.Your memory is failing today, Sofía.
- SofíaSí, necesito descansar un poco.Yes, I need to rest a bit.
- AlejandroTómate un descanso, Alejandro recomienda agua.Take a break, Alejandro recommends water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “memory” translations and entries memoria, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries memoria, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
