铭记

• Pinyin: míng jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 铭 = 钅 (metal radical) + 名 (name) — to engrave a name in metal; 记 = 讠(speech) + 己 (self) — to record for oneself

Meaning

To engrave in one's memory; to keep forever in mind. Carrying a sense of solemn and lasting remembrance.

More weighty than 记住 or 牢记. Used in official speeches, commemorations, and personal vows. Often collocates with 历史 (history), 教训 (lessons), 初心 (original aspiration), or 使命 (mission). The character 铭 originally referred to inscriptions on bronze vessels, giving the word a sense of permanent engraving.

Examples

1. 我们应永远铭记那段艰苦卓绝的革命历史，珍惜来之不易的和平。 We should always remember that extraordinarily difficult chapter of revolutionary history and cherish the hard-won peace we have today.
2. 他把老师的话铭记于心，在日后的工作中始终以此为准则。 He kept his teacher’s words firmly in mind and used them as a guiding principle throughout his later work.
3. 无论未来走多远，都要铭记自己最初的理想与使命。 No matter how far you go in the future, remember your original ideals and mission.

Usage Guide

Context: commemoration, education, speeches, values

Tone: solemn, earnest

Do Say

• 这段历史教训我们必须铭记，绝不能让类似的悲剧在这片土地上重演。(We must engrave this historical lesson in our memory — such a tragedy must never be allowed to repeat on this land.)
• 她把父亲临终前说的话铭记在心，那些话成为她一生的精神支柱。(She kept her father's dying words engraved in her heart, where they became a spiritual pillar for her entire life.)

Don't Say

• 在轻松随意的语境中使用'铭记' (铭记 carries a solemn, weighty tone and is out of place in casual conversation — use 记住 or 记得 instead)

Origin & History

铭 (inscribe on metal; engrave in memory) + 记 (remember, record). 铭 originally referred to engraving inscriptions on bronze vessels; together with 记, it conveys permanently imprinting something in the mind.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal