jìzhù: 记住 - To Remember, To Keep in Mind, To Memorize

• Keywords: 记住, jizhu, ji zhu, remember in Chinese, memorize in Chinese, how to say remember, Chinese verb for remember, 记住 vs 记得, Chinese grammar, HSK 3 vocabulary, commit to memory
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 记住 (jìzhù), which means “to remember,” “to memorize,” or “to keep in mind.” This page breaks down its meaning, distinguishing it from the similar verb 记得 (jìde). Discover how 记住 implies a conscious action of committing something to memory, its cultural significance in Chinese education, and how to use it correctly in everyday conversation with over 10 practical example sentences.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jìzhù
• Part of Speech: Verb (Resultative Verb Compound)
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To commit something to memory and hold it there firmly.
• In a Nutshell: 记住 (jìzhù) is an action-oriented verb that describes the successful act of memorizing something. Think of it as “to record firmly” in your brain. The first character, `记 (jì)`, means “to record” or “to note,” while the second character, `住 (zhù)`, acts as a resultative complement, meaning “firmly” or “securely.” Therefore, 记住 isn't just about trying to remember; it's about succeeding in the act of memorization.

• 记 (jì): This character means “to record,” “to note,” or “to remember.” It's composed of the “speech” radical (言 yán) on the left and a phonetic component (己 jǐ) on the right, linking it to the act of recording spoken words or information.
• 住 (zhù): This character's primary meaning is “to live” or “to stay.” However, when used as a verb complement, it indicates that an action is performed to a firm, stable, or fixed state. For example, `站住 (zhànzhù)` means “to stand still,” and `抓住 (zhuāzhù)` means “to grab hold of firmly.”
• Together, `记 (to remember)` + `住 (firmly)` create the very literal and intuitive meaning: “to remember firmly” or “to successfully commit to memory.”

While “remembering” is a universal concept, the emphasis placed on 记住 in Chinese culture has deep roots, particularly in education and philosophy. Historically, the Chinese imperial examination system required scholars to memorize vast volumes of classical texts. The ability to 记住 and recite these texts was a sign of diligence, intelligence, and respect for the past. This has fostered a pedagogical culture where rote memorization is highly valued as a foundational step to deeper understanding. A teacher or parent telling a child `你要记住！(Nǐ yào jìzhù!)` — “You must memorize this!” — is not just an instruction but an instillation of the value of hard work and building a solid knowledge base. In contrast to some Western educational trends that prioritize conceptual exploration over memorization, the traditional Chinese approach sees 记住 as the non-negotiable gateway to mastery. This doesn't mean understanding is ignored, but rather that a firm command of the basic facts, characters, or formulas is the essential first step on which all else is built.

记住 is an extremely common and practical verb used in various situations, from casual conversation to formal instructions.

• Giving a Command or Strong Advice: It's often used by people in authority (parents, teachers, bosses) or by friends giving important advice.
  • e.g., `记住，明天八点开会。` (Remember, the meeting is at 8 tomorrow.)
• Confirming Information: When someone gives you information like a phone number or directions, a common response is:
  • e.g., `好的，我记住了。` (Okay, I've got it / I've memorized it.)
• Expressing Ability (or Inability): It is frequently used with potential complements `得 (de)` for “can” and `不 (bu)` for “cannot”.
  • e.g., `这么多汉字，我记不住。` (I can't memorize this many Chinese characters.)
  • e.g., `你记得住他的脸吗？` (Can you remember his face?)

The formality is generally neutral. It can be used in almost any context where the action of memorizing is the focus.

• Example 1:
  • 请 记住 这个地址。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng jìzhù zhège dìzhǐ.
  • English: Please remember this address.
  • Analysis: A simple, polite command. It's asking someone to perform the action of committing the address to memory.
• Example 2:
  • 你说的话，我全都 记住 了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shuō de huà, wǒ quándōu jìzhù le.
  • English: I have remembered everything you said.
  • Analysis: The particle `了 (le)` here indicates the completion of the action. The speaker successfully memorized what was said.
• Example 3:
  • 我总是 记不-住 他的名字。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zǒngshì jì bu zhù tā de míngzi.
  • English: I can never remember his name.
  • Analysis: This uses the negative potential complement `记不住 (jì bu zhù)`, meaning “unable to remember.” It highlights the struggle to make the memory “stick.”
• Example 4:
  • 你要 记住，安全第一。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ yào jìzhù, ānquán dì yī.
  • English: You must remember, safety first.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of giving important, lasting advice. It means “keep this principle firmly in your mind.”
• Example 5:
  • 考试前，我需要 记住 很多公式。
  • Pinyin: Kǎoshì qián, wǒ xūyào jìzhù hěnduō gōngshì.
  • English: Before the exam, I need to memorize a lot of formulas.
  • Analysis: This clearly shows 记住 as the active process of memorization for a specific purpose.
• Example 6:
  • 这首歌的歌词太难了，我 记不住。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shǒu gē de gēcí tài nán le, wǒ jì bu zhù.
  • English: The lyrics to this song are too difficult, I can't memorize them.
  • Analysis: Another use of the negative potential complement to express inability.
• Example 7:
  • 我会永远 记住 你的帮助。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ huì yǒngyuǎn jìzhù nǐ de bāngzhù.
  • English: I will forever remember your help.
  • Analysis: Here, 记住 takes on a more emotional, grateful tone, implying a promise to never let the memory fade.
• Example 8:
  • 老师让我们 记住 这首古诗。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī ràng wǒmen jìzhù zhè shǒu gǔshī.
  • English: The teacher had us memorize this ancient poem.
  • Analysis: A typical classroom scenario highlighting the role of 记住 in education.
• Example 9:
  • 没关系，我能 记得住 回家的路。
  • Pinyin: Méiguānxì, wǒ néng jì de zhù huí jiā de lù.
  • English: It's okay, I can remember the way home.
  • Analysis: This uses the positive potential complement `记得住 (jì de zhù)`, meaning “able to remember.” It expresses confidence in one's ability to memorize and recall.
• Example 10:
  • 请 记住 登录密码，不要写下来。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng jìzhù dēnglù mìmǎ, bùyào xiě xiàlái.
  • English: Please memorize the login password, don't write it down.
  • Analysis: A practical instruction where the action of memorizing is the key point.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 记住 (jìzhù) and 记得 (jìde). They both translate to “remember,” but they are not interchangeable.

• 记住 (jìzhù): The action of memorizing. It focuses on the input—the process of getting information to “stick” in your brain.
• 记得 (jìde): The state of remembering. It focuses on the output—the condition of having information already in your memory and being able to recall it.

Common Mistake: Asking someone if they recall you.

• Incorrect: `你还记住我吗？ (Nǐ hái jìzhù wǒ ma?)`
• This sounds unnatural, as if you're asking, “Did you successfully complete the action of memorizing me?”
• Correct: `你还记得我吗？ (Nǐ hái jìde wǒ ma?)`
• This correctly asks, “Are you in the state of remembering me?” or “Do you still recall who I am?”

Rule of Thumb:

• If you're talking about the process of learning or making a mental note, use 记住. (e.g., “I must memorize this.”)
• If you're talking about recalling something from the past, use 记得. (e.g., “I remember we met last year.”)

• 记得 (jìde) - The state of having something in one's memory; to recall. The most important contrast to 记住.
• 忘记 (wàngjì) - To forget. The direct antonym of both 记住 and 记得.
• 记忆 (jìyì) - Memory (as a noun), or to remember (as a more formal, literary verb). `我的记忆力不好 (Wǒ de jìyìlì bù hǎo)` means “My memory is not good.”
• 牢记 (láojì) - A more formal and stronger version of 记住. It means “to keep firmly in mind” and is often used for principles, lessons, or important advice.
• 背诵 (bèisòng) - To recite from memory, to chant. A specific action related to 记住, often used for poems, texts, and scripts.
• 想起来 (xiǎngqilai) - To recall or to bring to mind, especially after a moment of difficulty. It captures the “aha!” moment of remembering something you had temporarily forgotten.
• 印象 (yìnxiàng) - Impression (noun). What is left in your memory after an experience. `他给我留下了好印象 (Tā gěi wǒ liúxiàle hǎo yìnxiàng)` means “He left a good impression on me.”