Learn by heart Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫɝn/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈhɑɹt

LURN-by-HART

UK

lˈɜːn/ /bˈaɪ/ /hˈɑːt

LURN-by-HAHT

Definition

To memorize something completely so that you can recall it exactly, such as words, numbers, or information.

Usage & Nuances

Common in academic or music contexts (e.g., poems, speeches). Slightly formal or literary. Synonymous with 'memorize', but 'learn by heart' emphasizes perfect recall. Not literal—means to remember exactly, not emotional learning.

• Spanish: aprender de memoria
• Portuguese (BR): decorar - aprender de cor
• Portuguese (PT): decorar - aprender de cor
• Chinese (Simplified): 背下来 - 熟记
• Chinese (Traditional): 背下來 - 熟記
• Hindi: मुँहज़बानी याद करना
• Arabic: يحفظ عن ظهر قلب
• Bengali: মুখস্থ করা
• Russian: выучить наизусть
• Japanese: 暗記する
• Vietnamese: học thuộc lòng
• Korean: 암기하다
• Turkish: ezberlemek
• Urdu: زبانی یاد کرنا
• Indonesian: menghafal

Example Sentences

I need to learn by heart this poem for class.

basic

She can learn by heart long lists of numbers.

basic

Students often have to learn by heart facts for exams.

basic

If you learn it by heart, you'll never forget the words on stage.

natural

I can't believe you learned by heart everyone's phone number!

natural

My dad made me learn by heart our home address when I was a kid.

natural