記念

• Reading: きねん
• Romaji: kinen
• Kanji breakdown: 記 (ki) — record, write down; 念 (nen) — thought, feeling
• Pronunciation: /ki.neɴ/

Meaning

Commemoration; memorial. Preserving the memory of an event or occasion.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (記念する). Widely used in compounds: 記念日 (anniversary), 記念品 (souvenir/memento), 記念写真 (commemorative photo), 記念碑 (memorial monument). Carries a positive, celebratory connotation — marking milestones and special occasions worth remembering.

Examples

1. 結婚十周年を記念してパーティーを開いた。 We threw a party to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary.
2. 旅行の記念にキーホルダーを買った。 I bought a keychain as a souvenir of the trip.
3. 卒業記念に友達と写真を撮った。 I took photos with my friends to commemorate graduation.

Usage Guide

Context: celebrations, travel, milestones

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 記 (ki, to record) and 念 (nen, thought/feeling). Together, 'recording a thought' — preserving a meaningful moment in memory.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal