记得 vs 记住 (jìde vs jìzhù): remembering vs memorizing
记得 (jìde) describes the state of having a memory or recollection, while 记住 (jìzhù) emphasizes the active process of committing something to memory or achieving retention. The key distinction is that 记得 is for recalling existing memories, and 记住 is for memorizing or making sure something is kept in mind.
Both 记得 and 记住 relate to memory, but they differ in aspect and focus. 记得 is a stative verb that expresses the state of remembering something from the past, such as a fact, event, or acquaintance. 记住 is a resultative verb compound that indicates the action of memorizing or the successful retention of information, often requiring effort. Using 记住 for a memory you simply recall is incorrect; similarly, using 记得 for intentional memorization may sound unnatural.
When to use each
Use 记得 when you want to say that you have a memory of something from the past, such as a person, an event, or a fact, without emphasizing the act of memorization. It is often used in declarative statements about recollection, e.g., 'I remember his name' or 'Do you remember that day?'
记得 is generally stative and rarely used with 了 to indicate a change; it simply denotes the presence of a memory. It can also be used in the negative form 不记得 to mean 'not remember'.
Use 记住 when the focus is on the process or result of committing something to memory, such as learning a phone number, a rule, or a new word. It often implies effort and can be used in commands (e.g., '记住这个密码!'). 记住 also commonly appears with 了 (记住了) to indicate successful memorization.
记住 is a resultative verb, so it emphasizes the attainment of a state of having memorized. It is not used for spontaneous recollection of past events unless those events were intentionally memorized.
At a glance
| 记得 | 记住 | |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | State of recollection | Act of memorizing or permanent retention |
| Aspect | Stative (no change implied) | Resultative (change from not knowing to knowing) |
| Negation | 不记得 (bù jìde) – do not remember | 没记住 (méi jìzhù) – haven't memorized |
| Use in commands | Rare; used only for reminding (e.g., 记得带钥匙 'remember to bring keys') | Common; direct command to memorize (e.g., 记住这个词 'memorize this word') |
| Typical objects | Events, people, facts, past experiences | Phone numbers, new vocabulary, instructions, rules |
Examples
- 记得我记得他的名字。Wǒ jìde tā de míngzì.I remember his name.Describes a state of recollection; no effort implied.
- 记得你记得昨天的事吗？Nǐ jìde zuótiān de shì ma?Do you remember what happened yesterday?Asks about a past memory, not memorization.
- 记住请记住这个单词。Qǐng jìzhù zhège dāncí.Please memorize this word.Command to commit to memory.
- 记住我记住了他的电话号码。Wǒ jìzhù le tā de diànhuà hàomǎ.I have memorized his phone number.Uses 了 to show successful memorization.
- 记住我记住了那件事，但不想说。Wǒ jìzhù le nà jiàn shì, dàn bùxiǎng shuō.I have that matter memorized, but I don't want to talk about it.✗ Here 记住 would imply deliberate memorization; 记得 is more natural for a past event.
Common mistakes
- Using 记住 to express remembering a childhood memory: ‘我记住小时候’ is incorrect – use 记得.
- Using 记得 to mean memorizing a phone number: ‘我记着这个号码’ is confusing – use 记住 for intentional memorization.
- Using 记住 in a negative sentence to mean 'I don't recall': ‘我不记住’ is wrong – use 不记得.
- Using 记得 in a command to tell someone to memorize: ‘记得这个单词’ sounds like 'remember to bring the word' rather than 'memorize' – use 记住.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between 记得 and 记住?
- 记得 refers to the state of remembering something from the past; it's like having a memory. 记住 is about actively memorizing or ensuring something stays in memory, often with effort. Think of 记得 as 'recall' and 记住 as 'memorize'.
- Can I use 记得 to say 'I remember your phone number'?
- Yes, if you mean that you know the number from memory, 记得 is fine: '我记得你的电话号码'. But if you want to emphasize that you made an effort to memorize it, use 记住: '我记住了你的电话号码'.
- When do I use 记得 vs 记住?
- Use 记得 for spontaneous recollection of past events, people, or facts. Use 记住 when you deliberately commit something to memory – like studying vocabulary, memorizing a password, or giving a command to retain information.
- Can 记住 be used for things you naturally remember without trying?
- No. 记住 implies an intentional act of memorization. For things you just happen to remember from the past, use 记得.