====== jìzhù: 记住 - To Remember, To Keep in Mind, To Memorize ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
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.")
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[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."