Know by heart Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnoʊ/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈhɑɹt

NOH by HART

UK

nˈəʊ/ /bˈaɪ/ /hˈɑːt

NOH by HAAT

Definition

To remember something completely and be able to repeat or use it without looking; to have something memorized perfectly.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both formal and informal contexts, usually about memorizing facts, speeches, songs, or texts. Common collocation: 'learn by heart' (to memorize). Sometimes confused with 'know by mind', which is not idiomatic.

• Spanish: saberse de memoria
• Portuguese (BR): saber de cor
• Portuguese (PT): saber de cor
• Chinese (Simplified): 熟记于心 - 背得滚瓜烂熟
• Chinese (Traditional): 熟記於心 - 背得滾瓜爛熟
• Hindi: ज़बानी याद होना
• Arabic: يحفظ عن ظهر قلب
• Bengali: মুখস্থ জানা - মুখস্থ বলা
• Russian: знать наизусть
• Japanese: 暗記している
• Vietnamese: thuộc lòng
• Korean: 외우다 - 암기하다
• Turkish: ezbere bilmek
• Urdu: زبانی یاد ہونا
• Indonesian: hafal di luar kepala

Example Sentences

I know by heart all the words to that song.

basic

He can know by heart the whole poem.

basic

Do you know by heart your address?

basic

After so much practice, she knows by heart every dance step.

natural

You should know by heart your emergency contact number.

natural

He recited the speech as if he knew it by heart.

natural