‘记忆犹新’ literally means ‘memory still new’ — it describes a vivid, emotionally resonant recollection that feels as clear and immediate as if it happened just now. The four characters combine meaningfully: 记 (to record) and 忆 (to recall) together form ‘memory’; 犹 (still, yet) conveys continuity; 新 (new, fresh) emphasizes the undiminished clarity and emotional intensity of the memory. It’s not used for trivial or routine memories, but for significant personal experiences — often joyful, shocking, or poignant events that left a lasting impression.

This idiom is formal and literary, commonly found in written Chinese, speeches, essays, and reflective storytelling. It functions grammatically as a noun or predicate adjective — typically following subjects like ‘这件事’ (this event) or ‘那段时光’ (that period), and often preceded by verbs like ‘令人’ (makes one), ‘让人’ (causes people to), or ‘仍’ (still). It carries a tone of sincerity and depth, rarely used in casual conversation unless deliberately evoking solemnity or nostalgia.