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道Nihongo Path
憶

憶·recollection, think, remember

On-yomi
おく
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
記憶きおくmemory, recollection
記憶力きおくりょくmemory (as an ability)
憶測おくそくspeculation, guesswork
追憶ついおくreminiscence, looking back

Example sentences

  1. 子供の頃の記憶がほとんどない。

    こどものころのきおくがほとんどない。

    I have almost no memories of my childhood.

  2. それは単なる憶測にすぎない。

    それはたんなるおくそくにすぎない。

    That is nothing more than speculation.

  3. 彼は記憶力がとてもいい。

    かれはきおくりょくがとてもいい。

    He has a very good memory.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 一億 as 一憶 — the numeral uses the person radical
  • Writing おぼえる as 憶える; the standard spelling is 覚える

Memory aid

Picture it

The heart radical 忄 plus 意 'thought': a thought kept in the heart is exactly what a memory is.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 憶 mean?