Meaning and Usage
The verb 覚える (おぼえる) primarily means "to memorize," "to remember," or "to learn." It is commonly used when talking about committing information to memory, such as vocabulary, names, or skills.
Common Contexts
- Memorizing vocabulary or kanji
- Remembering someone's name or details
- Learning how to do something new
Collocations and Patterns
- 新しい単語を覚える (memorize new words)
- 名前を覚える (remember a name)
- 書き方を覚える (learn how to write)
Register and Politeness
覚える is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. When speaking politely, it is often combined with ます-form: 覚えます.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 覚える with 思い出す (おもいだす), which means "to recall" or "to remember" something that was forgotten. 覚える focuses on the act of learning or memorizing, while 思い出す is about recalling from memory.
Use 覚える when you are actively learning or memorizing new information.