Translation and Meaning of: 思い出 - omoide

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in the language, you may have come across the word 思い出 (おもいで). It carries a deep meaning and is often used in daily life and Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written, and some examples of usage. Additionally, you will discover why it is so special to the Japanese and how you can memorize it more easily.

The meaning of 思い出

The word 思い出 (おもいで) can be translated as "memory" or "remembrance". However, its meaning goes beyond mere recollections. It is associated with emotional moments, whether happy or nostalgic, that are kept in memory in an affectionate way. For this reason, it is common to see it in songs, poems, and dialogues that evoke feelings from the past.

Unlike other words that also mean "memory," such as 記憶 (きおく), which has a more factual sense, 思い出 carries an emotional weight. It is used to talk about personal experiences, such as travels, meetings, or even small moments of daily life that have marked in some way.

The origin and writing of 思い出

The term 思い出 is composed of two kanji: 思 (to think, to feel) and 出 (to exit, to emerge). Together, they form the idea of something that "emerges from the mind" or "comes to the surface in memory." This combination reflects well the concept of remembering something with affection or nostalgia. The reading おもいで is the kun'yomi form, meaning the native Japanese pronunciation of the term.

It is worth noting that the kanji 思 appears in other words related to feelings and thoughts, such as 思う (おもう - to think) and 思考 (しこう - reflection). The kanji 出 is also quite versatile, appearing in terms like 出る (でる - to exit) and 出口 (でぐち - exit). Understanding these components can aid in memorizing the word.

How 思い出 is used in everyday life

In Japan, 思い出 is a common word in everyday conversations. It can appear in sentences like "素敵な思い出ですね" (What a wonderful memory, isn't it?) or "子供の頃の思い出" (memories of childhood). Often, it is associated with events such as festivals, graduations, or trips that have marked someone's life.

Additionally, the word is often used in media such as animes and dramas. A classic scene is of characters revisiting old memories while looking at photos or sentimental objects. This usage reinforces the emotional connection that the Japanese have with the past and how they value every moment lived.

Tips for memorizing 思い出

An effective way to memorize this word is to associate it with a personal memory. For example, think of a significant moment in your life and try to describe it using 思い出. Another tip is to create flashcards with sentences like "この場所は大切な思い出です" (This place is an important memory).

It also helps to remember that the kanji 思 is present in words related to feelings, while 出 indicates something that "comes out" or "comes to mind." This breakdown facilitates understanding and retention of the term. Practicing with real examples, such as song lyrics or dialogues, can make learning more natural.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 記憶 (Kioku) - Memory, recollection; refers to the ability to recall information.
• 追憶 (Tsuioku) - Memory, reverence; it implies a nostalgic feeling when recalling the past.
• メモリー (Memorii) - Memory; often used in technological contexts, but it can also refer to memories.
• 回想 (Kaisou) - Reminiscence; the act of reflecting on past events, usually in a more conscious manner.
• レメンブランス (Remenburansu) - Reminiscence; similar to 回想, but it can emphasize a stronger emotional connection with the memories.

思い出

Romaji: omoide
Kana: おもいで
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: memoirs; Souvenirs; memories

Meaning in English: memories;recollections;reminiscence

Definition: To remember events and emotions experienced in the past through memory.

Example Sentences - (思い出) omoide

See below some example sentences:

残る思い出が心に残る。

Nokoru omoide ga kokoro ni nokoru

The memories that remain leave me with a lasting feeling.

The remaining memories remain in my heart.

• 残る (nokoru) - remain, stay
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence
• 心 (kokoro) - Heart, mind, soul
• に (ni) - particle that indicates the location where something is or takes place
• 残る (nokoru) - remain, stay
• . (ponto final)

懐かしい思い出が蘇る。

Natsukashii omoide ga yomigaeru

Nostalgic memories resurface.

Nostalgic memories relive.

• 懐かしい - wistful, nostalgic
• 思い出 - memory
• が - subject particle
• 蘇る - revive, resurface

思い出は宝物です。

Omoide wa takaramono desu

Memories are treasures.

Memories are treasures.

• 思い出 - Memoirs
• は - Topic particle
• 宝物 - treasure
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

嘗ての思い出が蘇る。

Natsukashii omoide ga yomigaeru

The memories of the past resurface.

The previous memories are revived.

• 嘗て (itadaki) - previously, in the past
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 蘇る (yomigaeru) - resurge, revive

以前の思い出が大切です。

Izen no omoide ga taisetsu desu

Memories of the past are important.

Past memories are important.

• 以前の - previous, past
• 思い出 - memory
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

引き出しには大切な思い出がたくさん詰まっている。

Hikidashi ni wa taisetsu na omoide ga takusan tsumatte iru

In the drawer there are many important memories stored.

The drawer is full of many important memories.

• 引き出し (hikidashi) - drawer
• に (ni) - particle indicating where something is
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大切な (taisetsuna) - important, valuable
• 思い出 (omoide) - memory
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん (takusan) - many
• 詰まっている (tsumatteiru) - to be full, to be replete

思い出すことができますか？

Omoi dasu koto ga dekimasu ka?

Can you remember?

• 思い出す - verb meaning "to remember" or "to recall"
• こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• できます - verb meaning "to be able to" or "to be able to"
• か - Particle that indicates a question

最早の記憶を思い出せない。

Saizo no kioku wo omoidasenai

I no longer remember my memory.

• 最早 - means "the oldest" or "the first".
• の - Title that indicates possession or expiration.
• 記憶 - means "memory".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 思い出せない - verb that means "to be unable to remember".

私の胸はいつもあなたを思い出します。

Watashi no mune wa itsumo anata o omoidashimasu

My heart always remembers you.

My breasts always remember you.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 胸 - noun meaning "chest" or "heart"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• いつも - adverb meaning "always"
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 思い出します - verb that means "remember" or "recall"