Level 2

기억나다

gieoknada

To memorize, to remember

TOPIK 2

Meaning and Usage

The verb '기억나다' means 'to remember' or 'to recall' something from memory. It is often used when a memory or a piece of information suddenly comes back to mind.

Common Contexts

You can use '기억나다' when talking about recalling faces, events, or feelings from the past. It is frequently used in everyday conversation to express that you have just remembered something.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 기억이 나다: to remember (common fixed expression)
  • 갑자기 기억나다: to suddenly remember
  • 기억이 잘 나다: to remember well

Register and Politeness

'기억나다' is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. To make it polite, you can use the polite ending '-아요/어요' as in '기억나요'.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse '기억나다' with '기억하다'. Remember that '기억하다' means 'to actively remember' or 'to memorize', while '기억나다' is used when a memory comes to mind naturally or suddenly.

Example Sentences

그 사람 얼굴이 갑자기 기억났어요.

Geu saram eolguri gapjagi gieoknasseoyo.

I suddenly remembered that person's face.

어릴 때 친구들과 놀던 기억이 나요.

Eoril ttae chingudeulgwa noldeon gieoki nayo.

I remember playing with my friends when I was young.

이 노래를 들으면 옛날 일이 기억나요.

I noraereul deureumyeon yetnal iri gieoknayo.

When I hear this song, old memories come back.