외우다 (oe-u-da, oeuda) · 암기하다 (am-gi-ha-da, amgihada)
외우다 refers to everyday, natural memorization, while 암기하다 implies formal, systematic memorization.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
To memorize something naturally and in everyday contexts.
When to use
everyday memorization, memorizing song lyrics, memorizing simple sentences
The nuance
Used mainly when memorizing simple sentences, words, or songs naturally in daily life.
To memorize information formally and systematically.
When to use
exam study, formal learning, precise memorization
The nuance
Used when memorizing accurately and systematically in formal study or exam preparation.
나는 영어 단어를 외워요.
na-neun yeong-eo dan-eo-reul oe-wo-yo., na neun yeong eo dan eo reul oe wo yo.
Appropriate for naturally memorizing words in everyday context.
나는 영어 단어를 암기해요.
na-neun yeong-eo dan-eo-reul am-gi-hae-yo., na neun yeong eo dan eo reul am gi hae yo.
Suitable when memorizing words systematically in formal study.
나는 노래 가사를 암기했어요.
na-neun no-rae ga-sa-reul am-gi-haess-eo-yo., na neun no rae ga sa reul am gi haess eo yo.
Memorizing song lyrics is usually natural, so 암기하다 sounds unnatural here.
나는 노래 가사를 외웠어요.
na-neun no-rae ga-sa-reul oe-woss-eo-yo., na neun no rae ga sa reul oe woss eo yo.
Appropriate expression for naturally memorizing song lyrics.
시험을 위해 공식을 외웠어요.
si-heom-eul wi-hae gong-sik-eul oe-woss-eo-yo., si heom eul wi hae gong sik eul oe woss eo yo.
Formulas should be memorized (암기하다); 외우다 is too casual.
시험을 위해 공식을 암기했어요.
si-heom-eul wi-hae gong-sik-eul am-gi-haess-eo-yo., si heom eul wi hae gong sik eul am gi haess eo yo.
Suitable for systematically memorizing formulas for exam preparation.
아이들이 동화를 외워요.
a-i-deul-i dong-hwa-reul oe-wo-yo., a i deul i dong hwa reul oe wo yo.
Appropriate for children naturally memorizing stories.
아이들이 동화를 암기해요.
a-i-deul-i dong-hwa-reul am-gi-hae-yo., a i deul i dong hwa reul am gi hae yo.
Stories are not formal memorization targets, so 암기하다 sounds unnatural.
Which word is more appropriate for exam study?
What is the natural expression for memorizing song lyrics?
Which word is used for memorizing formulas or rules?
