Translation guide
How to express becoming used to something, getting familiar with a situation, or adapting to a new environment in Japanese.
Expressing that you have become accustomed to something (a task, food, climate, etc.) through repeated exposure or practice.
The most common and versatile verb meaning 'to get used to' or 'to become accustomed to'. Used for habits, environments, and skills.
I've gotten used to my new job.
It took time to get used to life in Japan.
Emphasizes the gradual process of becoming accustomed. Often used when you're starting to feel comfortable.
I'm gradually getting used to it.
A colloquial expression meaning to become completely accustomed, often with a nuance of being unfazed or even bored by something.
I've gotten totally used to crowded trains.
Expressing that you have become comfortable or familiar with a person, group, or location.
Also used for becoming familiar with people or places. The same verb covers both skill/habit and social comfort.
I've gotten used to my new classmates.
Specifically means to open up and become comfortable with a person, often after initial shyness. Implies a warm, friendly relationship.
Expressing that you have adjusted or adapted to a new environment, culture, or set of circumstances.
A more formal term meaning 'to adapt'. Used for adjusting to environments, systems, or conditions, often with a nuance of active effort.
It's tough to adapt to a new environment.
Similar to 適応する but often implies a more passive or natural adjustment to surroundings or climate.
My body has adapted to the heat.
In many contexts, 慣れる is sufficient and more natural than formal adaptation terms.
Expressing that you have become accustomed to performing a certain action regularly.
Attach のに to the dictionary form of a verb to mean 'get used to doing something'. This is the standard pattern.
I've gotten used to waking up early.
I'm getting used to cooking every day.
A slightly more formal or written alternative to 〜のに慣れる. こと nominalizes the verb.
I'm not used to speaking in front of people.
The English phrase 'used to' for past habits (e.g., 'I used to play tennis') is expressed differently in Japanese, often with よく〜したものだ or 昔は〜ていた. Do not use 慣れる for this meaning.
When attaching 慣れる to a noun, use the particle に: [noun]に慣れる. For verbs, nominalize with の or こと as shown above.
I've gotten quite used to this town.
I quickly became comfortable with her.
新しい職場に慣れるまで時間がかかる。
It takes time to get used to a new workplace.