丸暗記

• Reading: まるあんき
• Romaji: maruanki
• Kanji breakdown: 丸 (maru) — whole, complete; 暗 (an) — dark, from memory; 記 (ki) — record, remember
• Pronunciation: /ma.ɾɯ.aɴ.ki/

Meaning

Rote memorisation; memorising something word for word without necessarily understanding it.

A noun and suru verb combining 丸 (whole/entirely) with 暗記 (memorisation). Describes learning by committing information to memory exactly as-is, often without deep comprehension. Can carry a slightly negative connotation suggesting shallow learning, though it is sometimes valued for foundational knowledge like multiplication tables or historical dates. Common in discussions about education and study methods.

Examples

1. 歴史の年号を丸暗記するのは大変だ。 Rote memorizing historical dates is really tough.
2. 文法の規則を丸暗記しても使えなければ意味がない。 Rote memorizing grammar rules is pointless if you can't actually use them.
3. 子供の頃に九九を丸暗記させられた。 As a kid, I was made to rote memorize the multiplication tables.

Usage Guide

Context: education, studying, exams, language learning

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Japanese 丸 (maru, whole/complete/entirely) + 暗記 (anki, memorisation, from 暗 'dark' + 記 'record,' i.e. recalling from memory without seeing the text). Literally 'complete memorisation,' emphasising wholesale, verbatim retention.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal