Is what is meant by the Hadith "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah will have a good deed" "whoever memorizes a letter"?

The original meaning of "qara'a" (to read) in Islamic law is to combine letters and words together in recitation. This includes mere recitation, such as reading the Qur'an over a month or from the Mushaf.

However, sometimes contextual indicators may add to the meaning of reading, pointing to a virtue beyond mere recitation, but rather to something extra, such as acting upon the Qur'an, memorizing it, and understanding it. For the "companion of the Qur'an" is one who acts upon it and memorizes it, and the "Qurra'" (reciters/readers) are those who became famous for memorizing the Qur'an, teaching it, and delving into its understanding.

The hadith: "Whoever recites a single letter from the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed," indicates that the reward is for reciting the Qur'an and uttering its words. A good deed is multiplied tenfold for every letter recited.