“死记硬背”常见的英文表达有 rote learning 或 learning by rote。
rote learning：侧重于描述一种通过反复重复来机械记忆知识，而不求理解的学习方式。例如：Rote learning has long been criticized for its lack of emphasis on understanding.（死记硬背长期以来因其不注重理解而受到批评。）
learning by rote：是一个动词短语，表达同样的意思，即单纯依靠重复背诵来记住信息。例如：Some students rely too much on learning by rote and fail to apply what they've learned.（有些学生过于依赖死记硬背，却无法运用所学知识。 ）