脳裏

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 脳裏, read のうり, and it combines 脳, meaning brain, with 裏, meaning inside or inner side.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 脳裏 is the figurative mind or memory in which images, words, and recollections arise or remain.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A mental space rather than the physical brain
  • Both examples use the form 脳裏. In patterns such as 脳裏に浮かぶ and 脳裏に焼き付く, it names the inner place where a memory appears or stays vividly impressed.
• Hometown scenery recalled and parting words retained
  • 懐かしい故郷の景色が脳裏に浮かんだ。 — The familiar scenery of my hometown came to mind.
  • 別れ際の言葉が今も脳裏に焼き付いている。 — The words spoken at our parting remain etched in my memory.