souvenirs - Master This Word
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souvenirs Word Meanings
- a memento or keepsake from a place or event
- an object that helps you remember something
- a gift or token of remembrance
souvenirs Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
souvenirs Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsuːvəˌnɪə/
US
/ˌsuːvəˈnɪr/
souvenirs Word Etymology
souvenir combines from 'sou-' (from under) and 'venir' (to come) meaning 'to come from a place'. Origin is French → English. Imagine holding a small item in your hands that takes you back to a fond memory, like a pebble from the beach where you played.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Souvenir is a noun referring to a small item kept as a reminder of a place or event. People buy souvenirs when traveling, visiting museums, at festivals, or after special experiences to trigger memories. For example, 'This postcard is my souvenir from Paris' or 'We brought back a souvenir for our friends.' The form in English is 'souvenir' with plural 'souvenirs.' The word often emphasizes memory more than monetary value. Although borrowed from French, it has become a standard English term for keepsake or token of remembrance.
Usage Reminders
- - Use souvenirs for tangible reminders from travel.
- - Say 'a souvenir from [place]' or the plural 'souvenirs.'
- - Distinguish from 'gift' when memory matters more than value.
- - Remember the plural form 'souvenirs' is common.
- - Reserve 'souvenir' for objects kept as memories, not for generic gifts.
Common Misconceptions
- Souvenir always means something expensive or valuable.
- A souvenir is the same as a gift you give to someone.
- Souvenir cannot be a memory; it must be a physical object.
- All souvenirs come from France because of the word’s origin.
- Souvenir is never used in formal writing.
Thinking Differences
In English, souvenir often centers on a tangible reminder from travel or experience, with a clear link to a place. Learners may overemphasize value or confuse it with a generic gift, and they must remember the plural form souvenirs.
Learning Tips
- Read aloud the example sentences to hear natural rhythm.
- Compare souvenirs with memory and keepsake to feel nuance.
- Note the plural: souvenirs, not souvenir in most contexts.
- Use 'a souvenir from [place]' to anchor location.
- Pair with travel verbs: buy, bring back, keep, gift.
- Practice with real-world items from trips or museums.
Related Listening
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