How to Say "to memorize" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to memorize” is “memorizar” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Tengo que memorizar los verbos irregulares para el examen.
I have to memorize the irregular verbs for the exam.
El actor memorizó todo el guion en una sola noche.
The actor memorized the entire script in just one night.
No es bueno solo memorizar; también hay que entender.
It's not good to just memorize; you also have to understand.
The Z to C Spelling Swap
In Spanish, words that end in 'zar' change the 'z' to a 'c' whenever they are followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past tense (memoricé) and all forms of the 'wishes and commands' mood (memorice).
Memorizar vs. Recordar
Use 'memorizar' for the active effort of putting things into your brain. Use 'recordar' for the act of bringing that information back out (remembering).
Avoid Redundancy
Mistake: “Voy a memorizar de memoria.”
Correction: Voy a memorizar (or) Voy a aprenderlo de memoria. 'Memorizar' already implies doing it 'by memory,' so you don't need to say both.
Spelling Error
Mistake: “Yo memorizé.”
Correction: Yo memoricé. Remember the rule: 'z' changes to 'c' before 'e'!
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.