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"Memorizar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to memorize", and "aprender de memoria" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to learn by heart". Learn more about the difference between "memorizar" and "aprender de memoria" below.
memorizar(
meh
-
moh
-
ree
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to memorize (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El orador había memorizado las palabras de su discurso, por lo que no necesitó un teleprompter.The speaker had memorized the words of his speech, so he didn't need a teleprompter.
b. to memorise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No puedo memorizar los acordes de esta canción. Son muchos y muy complicados.I can't memorise the chords of this song. There are too many and they're very complicated.
aprender de memoria(
ah
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prehn
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dehr
deh
meh
-
moh
-
ryah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to learn by heart
Aprendió de memoria seis sonetos de Shakespeare.He learned six of Shakespeare's sonnets by heart.