Comparing “jìlù” and “jìlù”
记录 vs 纪录
Comparison section · original #30 · level order #123
How it works
Both are pronounced jìlù, but they are usually used differently in modern standard Chinese.
记录 (jìlù) is commonly used as a verb meaning to record, and it can also be a noun meaning record / written note / data record.
纪录 (jìlù) is more commonly used as a noun meaning record in the sense of a best performance, achievement, or formal statistical record, such as a world record or sports record.
So the basic difference is:
记录 (jìlù) = to record / written record / data note
纪录 (jìlù) = record in the sense of achievement, especially sports or official results
Example sentences
请把今天讨论的重点都记录下来，免得以后忘了。
Please write down all the key points discussed today, so that we do not forget them later.
这本笔记本里记录了他这几年工作中的各种想法。
This notebook records all kinds of ideas he had during these past few years of work.
他在比赛中打破了保持多年的世界纪录。
He broke the world record that had been held for many years during the competition.
这项成绩已经接近学校历史上的最好纪录了。
This result is already close to the best record in the school’s history.
Key point
If you mean write something down, usually use 记录 (jìlù). If you mean best result / sports record, usually use 纪录 (jìlù).