Translation guide
The English word 'learning' can refer to the process of gaining knowledge or skills, the knowledge gained, or the act of studying. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 学習 (がくしゅう), but other words like 勉強 (べんきょう), 習得 (しゅうとく), and 学び (まなび) are used depending on context. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
When talking about learning in general, such as in education, self-improvement, or skill development.
The most general and neutral term for 'learning'. It covers both formal and informal acquisition of knowledge or skills. Commonly used in educational contexts.
オンライン学習が普及している。
Online learning is becoming widespread.
学習の習慣を身につけることが大切だ。
It's important to develop a habit of learning.
Often translated as 'study', but can also mean 'learning' when referring to the effort of acquiring knowledge, especially through reading, practice, or lessons. It implies active effort.
毎日少しずつ勉強することが上達の秘訣だ。
Learning a little every day is the secret to improvement.
A slightly more formal or philosophical term for 'learning', often used in the context of lifelong learning or deep understanding. It can also refer to the act of learning in a broader sense.
人生は学びの連続だ。
Life is a continuous process of learning.
Focuses on the acquisition or mastery of a skill or knowledge through practice. Often used for learning languages, techniques, or practical skills.
言語の習得には時間がかかる。
Learning a language takes time.
When 'learning' refers to the knowledge or erudition a person has acquired, often used in phrases like 'a man of great learning'.
Refers to scholarly knowledge or erudition. Used for deep, academic learning.
彼は学識が深い。
He is a man of great learning.
General word for 'knowledge'. Can be used when 'learning' means the information or understanding one has.
Refers to cultural refinement and education; 'cultivation' or 'liberal arts learning'. Implies a well-rounded education.
When 'learning' specifically means the act of studying, memorizing, or doing homework, often in a school context.
The most common word for studying. It can be used as a noun meaning 'study' or 'learning' in the sense of hitting the books.
今夜は勉強するつもりだ。
I plan to do some learning tonight.
Specifically means 'memorization' or 'learning by heart'. Use when the focus is on committing something to memory.
When 'learning' refers to a branch of knowledge or academic discipline, often in phrases like 'the learning of the ancients' or 'centers of learning'.
Refers to scholarship, academic study, or a field of learning. It carries a sense of systematic knowledge.
彼は学問に一生を捧げた。
He devoted his life to learning.
Refers to science, learning, or scholarship, often in a more technical or academic context.
学習 (がくしゅう) is the broadest term for 'learning', often used in formal or educational contexts. 勉強 (べんきょう) emphasizes the effort of studying, often with books or lessons. 学び (まなび) is more abstract and philosophical, often used for lifelong learning or deep understanding. For everyday 'I'm learning something', 勉強 is most common.
While 学ぶ (まなぶ) is a common verb for 'to learn', it can sound stiff in casual conversation. For everyday learning activities, use 勉強する or specific verbs like 覚える (おぼえる, to memorize) or 身につける (みにつける, to acquire a skill).
彼は非常に学識のある人だ。
He is a man of great learning.
外国語を習得するのは難しい。
Learning a foreign language is difficult.
新しいことを学ぶのが好きだ。
I enjoy learning new things.
I'm amazed at the breadth of his learning.
彼女は教養がある。
She is a woman of learning and culture.
Learning vocabulary by heart is boring.
学術の進歩は目覚ましい。
The progress of learning is remarkable.