忆 (yì) - to remember & to recall

忆Tone 4

yì ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 忄

一懿

忆 · yì

to remember;

to recall;

to recollect;

memory

to rememberto recallto recollect

Usage highlights

memoryrecollectionto recallto reminisceunforgettablememory ability

Synonyms

  • 记— to remember; to record
  • 念— to think of; to miss
  • 想— to think; to recall

Antonyms

  • 忘— to forget
  • 失— to lose (memory)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • I can't remember that person's name (忆不起那个人).
  • She often recalls her childhood (她常忆起童年).
  • This photo brings back memories (这张照片勾起回忆).
  • He has a good memory (他记忆力很好).

Collocations

  • memory(记忆)
  • recollection(回忆)
  • to recall(忆起)
  • to reminisce(追忆)
  • unforgettable(难忘的回忆)
  • memory ability(记忆力)

Idioms

  • Recall the past and compare with the present(忆苦思甜)
  • Memory remains fresh(记忆犹新)
  • Cherish the memory of(缅怀忆念)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character combines the heart/mind radical (忄) with 乙, suggesting the flow of thoughts and memories from the heart.
  • In Chinese philosophy, memory and recollection are closely associated with the heart-mind, reflecting the traditional belief that the heart is the seat of consciousness and memory.
  • Used in both classical and modern contexts to express nostalgia and remembrance of things past.

FAQ