ricordare
/rikorˈdaːre/
Definition
To remember something, or to remind someone of something.
Example
Ricordo ancora il primo giorno di scuola.
Show translation
I still remember my first day of school.
Etymology
From Latin *recordari* ("to call to mind"), built on *re-* (again) + *cor, cordis* (heart). In ancient thought, the heart was the seat of memory — to "re-heart" something was to bring it back to mind. The same root gives English *record* and *cordial*.
Cultural note
Italian uses *ricordare* in two distinct patterns: **transitive** (*ricordo quel giorno* — I remember that day) and **reflexive** (*mi ricordo di quel giorno* — I recall that day). Both are common and largely interchangeable in everyday speech. Do not confuse with *dimenticare* (to forget), its direct opposite. False friend alert for English speakers: *registrare* is "to record" (audio/video), not *ricordare*.