Learning various ways to express yourself in different languages can be quite useful, especially when it comes to common words like “remember.” In Japanese, there are multiple ways to convey this concept, depending on the degree of formality and specific nuances you wish to express. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different ways to say “remember” in Japanese, including formal and informal expressions, providing you with valuable tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Remember” in Japanese
When speaking in formal contexts or addressing someone with higher social status, it is crucial to use appropriate polite language. Here are the formal ways to say “remember” in Japanese:
1. 覚（おぼ）えておく (Oboete oku)
This phrase, when used in formal settings, is commonly used to convey the notion of remembering something for future reference. The “te” form of the verb “覚える” (oboeru) meaning “to remember” is combined with the auxiliary verb “おく” (oku), which implies doing something in advance or for future use. It is polite and respectful.
Example:
明日の朝会議の内容を覚えておいてください。 (Asu no asa kaigi no naiyou wo oboete oite kudasai.)
Please remember the content of tomorrow morning’s meeting.
2. 心（こころ）に留（と）める (Kokoro ni tomareru)
This formal expression emphasizes the idea of “keeping something in mind” or “bearing something in one’s heart.” It shows a sense of deep consideration and attentiveness.
Example:
社員の意見を心に留めましょう。 (Shain no iken wo kokoro ni tomemashou.)
Let’s remember/consider the employees’ opinions.
Informal Ways to Say “Remember” in Japanese
In casual and informal conversations, you can use less formal language to express the concept of “remember.” Here are a couple of commonly used informal expressions:
1. 覚（おぼ）えてる (Oboeteru)
This is a casual and straightforward way to say “to remember” in Japanese. It omits the polite endings often used in more formal speech.
Example:
昨日の出来事、覚えてる？ (Kinou no dekigoto, oboeteru?)
Do you remember what happened yesterday?
2. 覚（おぼ）えておいて (Oboete oite)
This informal expression is similar to the earlier formal phrase “覚えておく” (oboete oku). It is commonly used among friends or people of the same age group, showing a sense of familiarity.
Example:
明日のパーティーの場所、しっかり覚えておいてね！ (Ashita no paatii no basho, shikkari oboete oite ne!)
Make sure to remember the location of tomorrow’s party, okay?
Additional Tips and Regional Variations
It’s important to note that while the phrases mentioned above are commonly used across Japan, there might still be slight regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. For example, in some local dialects, you may encounter variations of the word “remember.” However, these differences are usually not significant enough to hinder understanding. It’s always useful to be aware of such variations when engaging with different regions and dialects.
To make your conversations more engaging, here are a few tips:
- Pay attention to the level of formality and choose the appropriate phrase accordingly.
- Consider the context of the conversation to determine the best choice of words.
- Practice using these expressions in various contexts to become more comfortable with their usage.
Conclusion
Remembering how to say “remember” in Japanese is a valuable addition to your language skills. Whether you are in a formal or informal setting, knowing multiple ways to express this concept allows you to adapt to various social situations. Remember to be mindful of the context and level of formality, and don’t hesitate to practice using these expressions to improve your fluency. Happy learning!
