English vocabulary guide
Memento
Vocabulary-Rich — Its subtitles contain a comparatively high share of advanced or rare vocabulary, making it better suited to confident learners.
- Vocabulary size
- 1,146
- Word occurrences
- 10,096
- IMDb rating
- ★ 8.4
Vocabulary profile by level
The percentages show unique vocabulary items and phrases found in the available English subtitles.
Useful vocabulary from Memento
Frequently occurring intermediate, advanced, and phrasal vocabulary with real subtitle examples.
| Level | Vocabulary | Occurrences | Subtitle example |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 | teddy | 32 | [ Thinking ] "Teddy." |
| A2 | write down | 19 | I'm gonna write this down. |
| B2 | cop | 17 | Cops don't catch a killer by remembering stuff. - Right-- |
| A1 | look for | 12 | Who? -Johnny G., the guy you're looking for. |
| C1 | ringing | 10 | [Phone Ringing] |
| B2 | discount | 9 | [ Thinking ] "The Discount Inn." |
| B1 | license | 9 | "Drugs. License plate." |
| B1 | trust | 9 | You kind of learn to trust your own handwriting. |
| B1 | fake | 8 | Now I know. You fake it. |
| B1 | object | 8 | Just pick up any three objects. - That's a test? |
How to study with this movie
Preview the vocabulary above, watch a short scene with English subtitles, and replay it without pausing. Save complete expressions rather than isolated words. These figures describe subtitle vocabulary; accent, delivery speed, sound mixing, and story familiarity also affect comprehension.
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How difficult is Memento in English?
Memento: 70.4% A1–A2 vocabulary; 11.4% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary. Vocabulary size: 1,097.
Unique vocabulary
- For A2 learners: 23.5% of unique vocabulary is above A2 or marked rare. Expect substantial preparation; start with short scenes and English subtitles.
- For B1 learners: 11.4% of unique vocabulary is above B1 or marked rare. Preview recurring words and use English subtitles.
- For B2 learners: 6.7% of unique vocabulary is above B2 or marked rare. Try a short scene and check your comprehension; the vocabulary offers a relatively accessible starting point.
6.1% Unclassified. Unclassified vocabulary has no reliable level assignment.
Vocabulary weighted by word occurrences
93.3% A1–A2 vocabulary; 2.1% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary; 1.9% Unclassified.
This counts repeated eligible words. Phrases are excluded from this calculation to avoid counting their component words twice.
Recurring words and phrases to preview
- teddy (B1): 32 occurrences in available subtitles.
Subtitle example:
[ Thinking ] "Teddy."
- cop (B2): 17 occurrences in available subtitles.
English meaning: An informal word for a police officer.
Subtitle example:
Cops don't catch a killer by remembering stuff. - Right--
- discount (B2): 9 occurrences in available subtitles.
Subtitle example:
[ Thinking ] "The Discount Inn."
- license (B1): 9 occurrences in available subtitles.
Subtitle example:
"Drugs. License plate."
- trust (B1): 9 occurrences in available subtitles.
English meaning: To believe someone is honest or that something is reliable.
Subtitle example:
You kind of learn to trust your own handwriting.
Compare with titles in similar genres
- Buried: 11.4% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.1 percentage points less than Memento).
- The Hole: 11.6% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.2 percentage points more than Memento).
- Passion: 11.3% B2, C1, and rare vocabulary (0.2 percentage points less than Memento).
A short study session
- Prepare. Review three recurring terms below. Write your own sentence for each and check its meaning against the subtitle example. teddy, cop, discount.
- Listen and check. Choose a two-minute conversation. Listen without subtitles and note who wants what. Replay with English subtitles, then without them. Compare the actual pronunciation, word linking, and pace with what you expected; vocabulary percentages do not measure accents or listening speed.
- Use the language. Write or say four sentences answering this prompt. Include two terms you reviewed. Revisit them tomorrow and one week later. Writing prompt: Reconstruct one event using evidence, and label anything you are uncertain about.
These percentages describe vocabulary, not the proportion of dialogue you will understand. CEFR labels are estimates, not official film ratings. Accent, speed, songs, context, and your own vocabulary also affect comprehension. Repeated occurrences may include repeated dialogue or lyrics.
How we estimate vocabulary difficulty · Evidence generated: