背诵 (bèi sòng) means 'to recite from memory' — that is, to say aloud something you have memorized, such as a poem, passage, or list of vocabulary. The character 背 (bèi) originally means 'back', but here it carries the extended meaning of 'to carry in one’s mind' or 'to memorize thoroughly'. The character 诵 (sòng) means 'to recite aloud', often with rhythm or expression. Together, they emphasize both internalization and vocal reproduction — not just remembering silently, but being able to deliver the material fluently and accurately.

This verb is commonly used in educational contexts: students 背诵 texts for language class, classical poems in Chinese literature, or key formulas in science. It implies active, repeated practice rather than passive reading. While often associated with schoolwork, adults may also 背诵 speeches, oaths, or religious verses. It's a formal, neutral term — neither slang nor overly literary — and appears frequently in textbooks, exams, and teaching materials.