1.
to recall, to remember, to recollect
To bring a memory back to mind. Focuses on the active process of retrieving a memory, rather than simply having memorized something.
昔のことを思い出した。
I recalled things from the past.
を marks what is remembered
彼女の名前を思い出せない。
I can't remember her name.
Potential negative: 思い出せない
この曲を聞くと、学生時代を思い出す。
When I hear this song, I remember my student days.
やっと思い出した！
I finally remembered!
Exclamation of relief
大切なことを思い出したので、電話してください。
I remembered something important, so please call me.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Pattern: Xを思い出す (recall X). Compound verb: 思う + 出す.
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action or state. 思い出している = 'is recalling' or 'has recalled.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 昔を思い出す (recall the past)
- 思い出せない (can't remember)
- ふと思い出す (suddenly remember)
- 思い出すたびに (every time I remember)
CONTRAST WITH 覚える:
- 覚える: to memorize, to learn (putting into memory)
- 思い出す: to recall (retrieving from memory)
RELATED NOUN: 思い出 (memory, recollection)