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.
I am learning Japanese.
I learned a lot from history.
Learning from a teacher or through lessons. Often used for practical skills like piano, calligraphy, or cooking.
I am learning piano (taking lessons).
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.
I study English every day.
I studied history for the exam.
To memorize or learn by heart. Focuses on committing something to memory, like vocabulary or a procedure.
I learned (memorized) new words.
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).
I learned (found out) about his move yesterday.
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.
I want to learn (acquire) cooking skills.
Loanword from English 'master'. Used for mastering a specific skill or subject, often with a sense of completion.
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.
I learned a lesson from my failure.
To learn something through hard experience, to feel it deeply. Often used for painful lessons.
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.
I learned economics at university.
I'm learning tea ceremony on weekends (taking lessons).
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.
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).
He learned that she was married.
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).
It takes time to learn (master) English.