Understanding "记得" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 记得
• Pinyin: jì de
• Literal Meaning: "remember" (记) + "get/achieve" (得)
• Primary Meaning: To remember; to recall; to keep in mind.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"记得" is a common verb used to express the act of remembering something, such as facts, events, or instructions. It is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Unlike "记住" (jì zhù, "to memorize"), which emphasizes actively retaining information, "记得" focuses on the natural ability to recall.

Nuances:
- Often used in questions (e.g., "你还记得吗？" - "Do you still remember?") or affirmative statements (e.g., "我记得。" - "I remember.").
- Can imply nostalgia or emotional attachment when recalling past events.

Character Breakdown

• 记 (jì): Means "to record" or "to remember."
• 得 (de): A particle indicating possibility or achievement (e.g., "做得到" - "can do it"). Together, they form "记得," implying "successfully remembered."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 你还记得我的名字吗？
   Pinyin: Nǐ hái jì de wǒ de míngzì ma?
   English: Do you still remember my name?

2. Chinese: 我记得去年夏天我们去过海边。
   Pinyin: Wǒ jì de qùnián xiàtiān wǒmen qù guo hǎibiān.
   English: I remember we went to the beach last summer.

3. Chinese: 请记得明天带作业。
   Pinyin: Qǐng jì de míngtiān dài zuòyè.
   English: Please remember to bring your homework tomorrow.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, "记得" is often used to express care or concern. For example, parents might say "记得多喝水" ("Remember to drink more water") to show affection. It’s also common in nostalgic conversations, reflecting the cultural value placed on shared memories and relationships.

Conclusion

"记得" (jì de) is a versatile word for expressing memory or recall. Whether asking a question or sharing a personal recollection, it’s a useful term to master for everyday communication. Remember: 记 (jì) + 得 (de) = "remember successfully"!