心に刻む

• Reading: こころにきざむ
• Romaji: kokoro ni kizamu
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, mind; 刻 (koku/kiza) — carve, engrave, time
• Pronunciation: /ko.ko.ɾo.ni.ki.za.mɯ/

Meaning

To etch into one's heart; to engrave in memory; to remember deeply and never forget.

An idiomatic expression using the Group 1 (godan) verb 刻む (to carve, engrave). Conveys the idea of permanently inscribing something into one's heart or mind. Used for important lessons, moving words, or significant experiences that one vows never to forget.

Examples

1. 恩師の言葉を心に刻んで生きていく。 I'll carry my mentor's words in my heart and press on.
2. あの日の経験は心に深く刻まれている。 That day's experience is deeply etched in my heart.
3. 失敗から学んだ教訓を心に刻んだ。 I engraved the lessons learned from that failure in my heart.

Usage Guide

Context: speeches, reflection, personal growth

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

From 心 (heart, mind) and 刻む (to carve, to engrave). The image is of using a chisel to inscribe words or experiences permanently onto the surface of one's heart.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal