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.
経験を得る
gain experience
gain knowledge
Literally 'attach to oneself'. Used for gaining skills, habits, or knowledge through effort.
gain English skills
Formal term for acquisition, often used for rights, qualifications, or awards.
gain trust
To get something you wanted, often after effort. Slightly casual.
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.
Can be used for gaining weight or speed in formal contexts, but 増える/上がる are more natural.
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.
He gained a lot of experience from that job.
I gained 3 kilograms over the holidays.
gain weight (deliberately)
gain speed
gain weight (formal)