Translation guide
The English verb "gain" covers acquiring something desirable, increasing in amount, or reaching a place. Japanese uses different words depending on what is gained and how.
To get something beneficial like knowledge, experience, trust, or a skill.
General verb for gaining something abstract or beneficial. Often used in formal or written contexts.
gain experience
知識を得る
gain knowledge
Literally 'attach to oneself'. Used for gaining skills, habits, or knowledge through effort.
英語を身につける
gain English skills
Formal term for acquisition, often used for rights, qualifications, or awards.
信頼を獲得する
gain trust
To get something you wanted, often after effort. Slightly casual.
チケットを手に入れた
I gained a ticket.
To become larger in number, weight, or velocity.
Intransitive verb for increase in number or amount. Use 増やす for transitive.
Transitive verb for increasing something. Use 増える for intransitive.
Intransitive verb for rise in level, value, or speed. Use 上げる for transitive.
スピードが上がる
gain speed
Can be used for gaining weight or speed in formal contexts, but 増える/上がる are more natural.
体重を得る
gain weight (formal)
To get to a destination, often with effort.
To get a favorable position or profit.
得る is general and often written. 手に入れる implies obtaining a concrete item after effort. 身につける is for acquiring skills or habits through practice.
太る (ふとる) means 'get fat' and can be negative. 体重が増える is neutral 'gain weight'. Use 体重が増える in polite contexts.
彼はその仕事で多くの経験を得た。
He gained a lot of experience from that job.
休みの間に体重が3キロ増えた。
I gained 3 kilograms over the holidays.
gain weight (deliberately)