암기하다 (am-gi-ha-da, amgihada) · 외우다 (oe-u-da, oeuda)
암기하다 and 외우다 both mean 'to memorize,' but 암기하다 emphasizes systematic, repetitive learning, while 외우다 focuses on verbal repetition to remember.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To memorize through systematic and repetitive study
When to use
exam preparation, formal study, remembering book content
The nuance
Used in planned, repetitive study contexts like studying or exam preparation. Mostly used in formal or academic settings.
To memorize mainly by repeating aloud
When to use
poetry recitation, remembering phone numbers, repeating song lyrics
The nuance
Used mainly when repeating aloud or reciting, common in everyday and spoken language.
시험 때문에 단어를 암기해야 해.
si-heom ttae-mun-e dan-eo-reul am-gi-hae-ya hae., si heom ttae mun e dan eo reul am gi hae ya hae.
Appropriate for exam preparation, a formal and systematic memorization context.
시험 때문에 단어를 외워야 해.
si-heom ttae-mun-e dan-eo-reul oe-wo-ya hae., si heom ttae mun e dan eo reul oe wo ya hae.
Exam preparation is formal and systematic, so 암기하다 should be used instead.
시를 외워서 발표했다.
si-reul oe-wo-seo bal-pyo-haess-da., si reul oe wo seo bal pyo haess da.
외우다 fits natural usage when reciting poetry aloud.
시를 암기해서 발표했다.
si-reul am-gi-hae-seo bal-pyo-haess-da., si reul am gi hae seo bal pyo haess da.
Poetry recitation is mainly verbal repetition, so 외우다 fits better.
전화번호를 외웠다.
jeon-hwa-beon-ho-reul oe-woss-da., jeon hwa beon ho reul oe woss da.
외우다 is appropriate for memorizing short info like phone numbers by repetition.
전화번호를 암기했다.
jeon-hwa-beon-ho-reul am-gi-haess-da., jeon hwa beon ho reul am gi haess da.
Phone numbers are everyday info; 외우다 is more natural in spoken contexts.
책 내용을 암기했다.
chaek nae-yong-eul am-gi-haess-da., chaek nae yong eul am gi haess da.
암기하다 suits systematic and repetitive learning like book content memorization.
책 내용을 외웠다.
chaek nae-yong-eul oe-woss-da., chaek nae yong eul oe woss da.
Reciting book content aloud is uncommon, so 외우다 is unnatural here.
Which word to use when studying for an exam?
Which word is natural when repeatedly reciting poetry?
Which word is appropriate for remembering a phone number?
