Translation guide
How to express the idea of becoming familiar with something or someone in Japanese, from initial acquaintance to deep understanding.
To become acquainted or friendly with someone.
Literally 'become an acquaintance'. Used when you first meet someone and start a relationship.
彼とは仕事で知り合いになりました。
I became familiar with him through work.
To become accustomed to or knowledgeable about a place, system, or object.
To gain knowledge or understanding of a subject through study or experience.
To learn. A general verb for acquiring knowledge or skills.
To become close or intimate with someone. Implies a deeper relationship than just acquaintance.
だんだん親しくなって、今では親友です。
We gradually became familiar with each other, and now we're best friends.
To become a familiar face; to know someone by sight but not well.
近所の人とは顔見知りになった。
I've become familiar with the neighbors (by sight).
To get used to something. The most common way to express becoming familiar with a new environment or routine.
新しい職場に慣れましたか？
Have you become familiar with the new workplace?
To become knowledgeable or well-versed in a subject. Used for gaining expertise.
彼は日本史に詳しくなった。
He became familiar with Japanese history.
To become thoroughly familiar with; to master. Formal and often used in professional contexts.
彼は最新技術に精通している。
He is familiar with the latest technology.
日本語を学ぶうちに、文化にも詳しくなった。
While learning Japanese, I became familiar with the culture as well.
To deepen one's knowledge. Used when you already have some familiarity and want to enhance it.
この本で経済の知識を深めました。
I became more familiar with economics through this book.
To acquire (a skill or knowledge); literally 'to attach to one's body'. Emphasizes practical mastery.
プログラミングを身につけるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to become familiar with programming.