背诵 bèisòng to recite
to recite; to repeat from memory
How to remember 背诵: 背 back + 诵 to chant = to recite.
Characters
How it is used
- To recite from memory / learn by heart - 背诵课文 (bèisòng kèwén) to recite the text, 背诵古诗 (bèisòng gǔshī) to memorize classical poems.
- Means reproducing exact wording aloud from memory, not just remembering the gist; core to Chinese schooling.
- Contrast 朗读 (lǎngdú), reading aloud from the page; 背诵 is without looking.
Example sentences
- 我最讨厌背诵课文了。 Wǒ zuì tǎoyàn bèisòngkèwén le.What I hate most of all is having to recite texts from memory.