回忆

• Pinyin: huí yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 回 = to return; 忆 = to remember/recall

Meaning

To recall; to reminisce; memory. Thinking back on past experiences.

As a verb, means to actively recall or reminisce about the past. As a noun, refers to memories themselves. Often used with 美好 (beautiful), 童年 (childhood), or 往事 (past events). More emotional than 记忆.

Examples

1. 这首歌让我回忆起大学时代的美好时光。 This song brings back memories of the wonderful times in college.
2. 爷爷经常给我们讲他年轻时的回忆。 Grandpa often tells us about memories from when he was young.
3. 她沉浸在过去的回忆中，久久不能自拔。 She was immersed in memories of the past and couldn't pull herself out for a long time.

Usage Guide

Context: emotion, nostalgia, storytelling, personal

Tone: nostalgic

Do Say

• 这是一段美好的回忆。(This is a beautiful memory.)
• 你还能回忆起当时的情景吗？(Can you still recall the scene at that time?)

Don't Say

• 我回忆了一下明天的计划 (回忆 is for past events only — for future plans, use 想了一下 or 考虑)

Origin & History

Compound of 回 (to return) + 忆 (to remember), meaning to return in memory.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal