记忆犹新

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: jì yì yóu xīn
• English Translation: Fresh in one's memory (vividly remembered)
• Idiom Composition: 「记」（To remember or record）＋「忆」（To recall or reflect upon）＋「犹」（Still, yet, or as if）＋「新」（New or fresh）
• Meaning: A past event that remains so clear in one's mind that it feels as if it happened just moments ago. It is used for both cherished memories and impactful lessons, emphasizing the 'freshness' and sensory detail of the recollection rather than just the fact that it hasn't been forgotten.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「记忆犹新」 contains the following nuances:

• Vividness of Memory: As indicated by the words 犹新 (yóu xīn), meaning 'still new,' this idiom emphasizes that the memory has not lost its color or intensity despite the passage of time.
• Subjective Experience: Rather than focusing on the objective storage of facts, this expression focuses on the subjective feeling of the scene or emotions rushing back as if they were happening in the present.

3. Usage

「记忆犹新」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Nostalgic Memories: Commonly used when looking back at happy past events, such as school days or travels.
  • Example:「虽然已经毕业十年了，但大学时代的快乐时光依然让我记忆犹新。」
    （Although it has been ten years since graduation, the happy days of university are still fresh in my memory.）
• Shocking or Impactful Events: Used to discuss disasters, historical moments, or personally life-changing events.
  • Example:「那场大地震造成的破坏，至今仍让当地居民记忆犹新。」
    （The destruction caused by that massive earthquake is still vividly remembered by the local residents today.）
• Lessons and Experiences: Used in contexts where past failures or hardships serve as a current reminder or warning.
  • Example:「刚创业时的艰辛，我至今记忆犹新，不敢有一丝懈怠。」
    （I still vividly remember the hardships of starting the business, so I don't dare to be even slightly complacent.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他对第一次登台演出的紧张感记忆犹新。
   （He still vividly remembers the nervousness of his first time performing on stage.）
2. 那次旅行中发生的趣事，大家到现在还记忆犹新。
   （Everyone still has a fresh memory of the funny things that happened during that trip.）
3. 老师当年的教诲，我至今记忆犹新。
   （The teacher's instructions from back then are still vividly etched in my mind.）
4. 虽然那是很久以前的事，但每一个细节我都记忆犹新。
   （Although it was a long time ago, I still vividly remember every single detail.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Usage Frequency: This is a very common and versatile idiom used frequently in both daily conversation and formal literature.
• Grammatical Function: It primarily functions as a predicate (e.g., 'The event is 记忆犹新 (jì yì yóu xīn)') but can also serve as an adjective to modify nouns.
• Nuance: While the idiom 念念不忘 (niàn niàn bù wàng) implies a conscious effort or obsession with not forgetting, 记忆犹新 (jì yì yóu xīn) focuses purely on the clarity and 'freshness' of the mental image itself.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 历历在目 (lì lì zài mù): Past scenes appearing clearly before one's eyes as if they were right there.
  • 难以忘怀 (nán yǐ wàng huái): Difficult to forget; emphasizes a deep, lasting impression on the heart.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 事过境迁 (shì guò jìng qiān): Things have changed with the passage of time; the situation is no longer what it was.
  • 浮光掠影 (fú guāng lüè yǐng): Like skimming light or passing shadows; a superficial or fleeting impression.

6. Summary

记忆犹新 (jì yì yóu xīn) describes a state where past events are recalled with such clarity that they seem like yesterday. It highlights that the emotions, sensations, and visual details of an experience have not faded over time, making it an ideal expression for describing deeply impactful life moments.