ricordare
/ri.korˈda.re/
The English phrase remember is said in Italian as ricordare.
Which one should you use?
While ricordare is a direct transitive verb, the reflexive form ricordarsi is often preferred when expressing the act of recalling something to oneself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive form 'ricordarsi' is frequently used in place of 'ricordare' in common, everyday speech.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable: /ri.korˈda.re/.
Did you know?
- The word ricordare is an etymological cousin of the English word 'record'. Both come from the Latin word for the 'heart' cor, because remembering was once seen as bringing something back to the heart.
- While ricordare refers to the act of remembering, Italians use the noun ricordo to describe both a memory and a souvenir, linking the physical object to the mental image.
- The verb ricordare can also mean 'to remind'. To tell someone 'remember to buy milk' is expressed as ricordati di comprare il latte, using the same word English uses for both recalling and prompting.
Examples in context
- È molto da ricordare.That's a lot to remember.This sentence is useful for describing something that is a lot to remember with ricordare.Tatoeba #6546864 by Guybrush88, translation #3594017 by CK
- Non riesco a ricordare.I can't remember.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to remember with ricordare.Tatoeba #14021826 by Guybrush88, translation #550246 by CK
- Sto provando a ricordare.I'm trying to remember.This sentence is useful for describing the act of trying to remember with ricordare.Tatoeba #1720408 by Guybrush88, translation #491511 by adjusting
- Ricordatevi di consegnare il rapporto entro domani, per favore.Remember to submit the report by tomorrow, please.
- Ricordiamoci di organizzare una festa a sorpresa per il compleanno di Luca.Let's remember to organize a surprise party for Luca's birthday.
- 143 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Francesco are discussing a movie they saw years ago.
- ChiaraTi ricordi il titolo di quel film?Do you remember the title of that movie?
- FrancescoNon riesco a ricordare il nome adesso.I can't remember the name right now.
- ChiaraEra un film d'azione molto famoso.It was a very famous action movie.
- FrancescoSì, ora inizio a ricordare!Yes, now I'm starting to remember!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ricordare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ricordare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
