Translation guide
The English phrase "get used to" describes becoming accustomed to something over time. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several verbs and patterns, each with different nuances regarding the process of adaptation, the type of thing being adapted to, and the speaker's attitude.
Expressing that one has become familiar with and comfortable in a new environment, routine, or ongoing situation through repeated exposure.
The most common and versatile verb for "get used to." It can be used for people, places, tasks, and abstract situations. Often used in the past tense to indicate the state of being used to something.
新しい仕事に慣れました。
I've gotten used to my new job.
日本の生活に慣れるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to get used to life in Japan.
Emphasizes the gradual process of getting used to something. Often used when you are still in the process of adapting.
だんだん新しい環境に慣れてきた。
I'm gradually getting used to the new environment.
A colloquial expression meaning to become completely accustomed, often with a nuance of being so used to something that it no longer bothers you. Slightly informal.
彼の冗談にはもう慣れっこになった。
I've gotten completely used to his jokes.
Expressing that one has become comfortable performing a specific action or activity through practice or repetition.
The pattern "verb (dictionary form) + のに慣れる" is used to say "get used to doing something." The の nominalizes the verb, and に marks the target of adaptation.
早起きするのに慣れた。
I've gotten used to waking up early.
毎日歩くのに慣れるまで大変だった。
It was tough until I got used to walking every day.
Similar to 〜のに慣れる, but uses こと for nominalization. Slightly more formal or written. Both are interchangeable in most cases.
人前で話すことに慣れていない。
I'm not used to speaking in front of people.
Expressing that one's body has adapted to a physical sensation, climate, or substance.
Also used for physical adaptation. Context makes the meaning clear.
この暑さにまだ慣れない。
I still haven't gotten used to this heat.
新しい眼鏡に慣れるまで少し時間がかかる。
It takes a little time to get used to new glasses.
A more formal or technical term for physiological or psychological adaptation to an environment. Often used in scientific contexts.
高地に順応するには数日かかる。
It takes a few days to acclimatize to high altitude.
Expressing that one has reluctantly accepted or become numb to a negative or annoying situation.
Means "there's no choice but to get used to it." Implies resignation or acceptance of an undesirable situation.
この騒音には慣れるしかない。
I just have to get used to this noise.
As above, but often used for negative things you've become desensitized to.
彼の遅刻にはもう慣れっこだ。
I'm already used to his lateness.
慣れる (nareru) means to become accustomed, while 習う (narau) means to learn from a teacher. They are different verbs despite similar sounds.
To say you are not used to something, use 慣れていない (narete inai) or 慣れない (narenai). The past tense 慣れた (nareta) often implies the state of being used to.
まだ慣れていません。
I'm not used to it yet.