Translation guide
How to express 'learn of' in Japanese, meaning to find out about something or become aware of it.
To become aware of a fact, news, or situation, often unexpectedly or through indirect means.
To discover or realize that something exists or is happening.
To find out about someone's circumstances, emotions, or experiences.
Literally 'to know the circumstances'. Used when learning of someone's situation.
彼の事情を知って同情した。
I learned of his situation and felt sympathy.
The English phrase 'learn of' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Avoid literal translations like '学ぶの' or '習うの'. Instead, use verbs like 知る or 聞く depending on context.
When you have just learned of something, the past tense 知った is often used, similar to 'I learned' in English.
I was surprised to learn of the news.
Literally 'to hear', but often used to mean 'learn of' when information is received through hearing.
彼の成功を聞いて嬉しい。
I'm happy to learn of his success.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to hear of' or 'to learn of' something, often by chance.
その噂を耳にした。
I learned of that rumor.
Formal expression meaning 'to receive notice' or 'to be informed of'. Used in official contexts.
事故の知らせを受けた。
I learned of the accident.
Means 'to notice' or 'to become aware of'. Often used when learning of something through observation or realization.
問題に気づいた。
I learned of the problem.
彼が嘘をついていることに気づかなかった。
I didn't learn of his lying.
Means 'to discover'. Used when learning of something through active search or investigation.
新しい星を発見した。
They learned of a new star.
Means 'to learn of someone's feelings'.
彼女の気持ちを知って驚いた。
I was surprised to learn of her feelings.