remember · awaken

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading of 覚 is かく, and its kun readings are おぼえる, さます, and さめる. It has 12 strokes and relates to remembering or awakening.
• Basic usage: 覚える is read おぼえる, and 覚める is read さめる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 覚える and 覚める
  • 覚える means to memorize or to remember.
  • 旅行の前に簡単な挨拶を覚えた。 means “I memorized simple greetings before traveling.”
  • 覚める means wake up or come to one's senses.
  • 目が覚めると、窓の外はもう明るかった。 means “When I woke up, it was already light outside.”