Translation guide
The English verb "learn" covers acquiring knowledge, skills, or information. Japanese uses different words depending on what is learned and how. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
General learning of a subject, language, or skill through effort.
The most general and common verb for learning, often implying deeper study or personal growth. Suitable for academic subjects, life lessons, and skills.
日本語を学んでいます。
I am learning Japanese.
歴史から多くを学んだ。
I learned a lot from history.
Learning from a teacher or through lessons. Often used for practical skills like piano, calligraphy, or cooking.
ピアノを習っています。
I am learning piano (taking lessons).
先生に習った方法でやってみた。
I tried the method I learned from my teacher.
To study or learn through deliberate effort, often with books or formal study. Emphasizes the process of studying rather than the result.
毎日英語を勉強しています。
I study English every day.
試験のために歴史を勉強した。
I studied history for the exam.
To memorize or learn by heart. Focuses on committing something to memory, like vocabulary or a procedure.
新しい単語を覚えた。
I learned (memorized) new words.
道を覚えるのが苦手です。
I'm not good at learning routes (memorizing directions).
Finding out about something, often unexpectedly or through indirect means.
To come to know, find out, or learn of something. Often used in the past tense 知った for "learned" (found out).
彼の引っ越しを昨日知った。
I learned (found out) about his move yesterday.
事故のことをニュースで知りました。
I learned about the accident on the news.
To hear about something, to learn of something through hearing. Implies passive reception of information.
Acquiring a practical ability or technique, often physical or artistic.
To acquire a skill or knowledge and make it one's own. Emphasizes internalization and practical mastery.
料理の技術を身につけたい。
I want to learn (acquire) cooking skills.
英語を身につけるには時間がかかる。
It takes time to learn (master) English.
Loanword from English 'master'. Used for mastering a specific skill or subject, often with a sense of completion.
新しいソフトをマスターした。
I learned (mastered) the new software.
Gaining insight or a life lesson from an event or mistake.
To gain a lesson or moral from an experience. Often used for serious or reflective contexts.
失敗から教訓を得た。
I learned a lesson from my failure.
To learn something through hard experience, to feel it deeply. Often used for painful lessons.
親のありがたみが身にしみた。
I learned (felt deeply) the value of my parents.
学ぶ (manabu) is broad and often implies deeper learning or self-improvement. 習う (narau) specifically means learning from a teacher or taking lessons. 勉強する (benkyou suru) focuses on the act of studying, often for academic purposes. Use 学ぶ for general learning, 習う for lessons, and 勉強する for hitting the books.
大学で経済を学んだ。
I learned economics at university.
週末に茶道を習っている。
I'm learning tea ceremony on weekends (taking lessons).
試験のために勉強している。
I'm studying for the exam.
English 'learn' is used in many contexts where Japanese prefers other verbs. For example, 'learn the truth' is 真実を知る (shinjitsu wo shiru), not 学ぶ. 'Learn a lesson' is often 教訓を得る (kyoukun wo eru). Consider the nuance before choosing a verb.
料理を習いたいです。
I want to learn how to cook.
If taking lessons; otherwise 料理を覚えたい (ryouri wo oboetai) or 料理ができるようになりたい (ryouri ga dekiru you ni naritai).
彼は彼女が結婚していることを知った。
He learned that she was married.
忍耐を学んでいます。
I'm learning patience.
その噂は以前に耳にしたことがある。
I've learned of that rumor before (I've heard it).