Get ready to learn everything you want to know about the funny expression "J'ai une mémoire d'éléphant". It includes a full definition of what it is and how you can use it in a dialogue with an audio example. And because we want to help you on your learning journey, we also added some useful informations like slow pronunciation audio, dialogue example, synonym and more!
Translation : I have a good memory
Literal meaning : I have an elephant's memory
Register : Informal - Funny
Slow
Normal
IPA : / ʒe yn memwaʁ delefɑ̃ /
The literal meaning is:
This popular expression basically means "To have an excellent memory". But what's the link with elephants?
Well, elephants are known to have a very good memory. They can travel very long distances and then remember them. They are also able to recognize human beings and remember years later people who mistreat them.
If you want to brag about your incredible memory, use: "J'ai une mémoire d'éléphant" (I have an elephant's memory). But if you want to make a compliment to someone with an amazing memory, use instead: "Tu as une mémoire d'éléphant" (You have an elephant's memory).
Looking for the antonym of this expression? We have it too! And it's: "Avoir une mémoire de poisson rouge" → To have a goldfish's memory.
It refers to a goldfish because a common cliché says they have only a few seconds of memory, which has been proved false but the cliché remains... What an injustice!
Dialogue
J'ai une mémoire d'éléphant
I have an elephant's memory*
Pas toujours !
Not always!
Bon ok, parfois...
Alright, sometimes...
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