覚える vs 暗記する
Japanese word comparison
Listen to 覚える
Listen to 暗記する
| 覚える | 暗記する |
|---|---|
o-KA-e-ru verb | あんきする verb |
| to memorize; to learn and remember | to memorize by heart; to commit to memory |
How they differ
暗記する is narrower than 覚える and strongly suggests deliberate memorization of information by repetition or rote learning. 覚える is broader and can include naturally getting used to something or learning a skill, not just memorizing facts.
When to use each
When to use 覚える: Use 覚える when the item is something you learn and retain in a broad sense, including skills, lines, rules, or habits.
When to use 暗記する: Use 暗記する when you specifically mean cramming or memorizing text, facts, or numbers word-for-word.
Side-by-side examples
- 新しい住所を覚えた。
(I learned and remembered the new address.) - 試験のために年号を暗記した。
(I memorized the dates for the exam.)
Register & nuance: 暗記する is common in school and exam contexts, and it sounds slightly more study-oriented than 覚える.