Translation guide
The English word 'study' can refer to the act of learning, a detailed investigation, a room for reading, or a musical composition. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
日本語を勉強しています。
I study Japanese.
彼はその問題を研究しています。
He is studying the problem.
The general act of studying, learning, or doing schoolwork.
The most common and general verb for studying a subject, especially for school or self-improvement.
毎日日本語を勉強しています。
I study Japanese every day.
I have to study for the exam.
A slightly more formal or literary verb meaning 'to learn' or 'to study', often implying deeper understanding or acquisition of knowledge.
歴史から多くを学んだ。
I learned a lot from history.
A formal term for studying or learning, often used in educational or technical contexts.
新しい言語を学習するのは楽しい。
Learning a new language is fun.
A phrase meaning 'to work hard at one's studies', often used in formal or encouraging contexts.
彼は毎晩遅くまで勉強に励んでいる。
He studies hard until late every night.
To examine a subject in detail, often for academic or professional purposes.
The standard verb for conducting research or scholarly investigation.
彼は癌の治療法を研究している。
He is studying a cure for cancer.
この問題を詳しく研究する必要がある。
We need to study this problem in detail.
A general verb for looking into something, checking facts, or doing research. Less formal than 研究する.
To investigate or survey, often used for official inquiries, market research, or field studies.
事故の原因を調査している。
They are investigating the cause of the accident.
A private room in a house used for reading, writing, or academic work.
A traditional Japanese study or home office, often associated with scholars or writers.
父は書斎で本を読んでいる。
My father is reading a book in his study.
A more casual term for a study room, literally 'study room'.
A piece of music written to help a performer practice a particular technique.
The standard term for a musical study or étude.
ショパンの練習曲を弾くのは難しい。
It's difficult to play Chopin's études.
The loanword 'étude', commonly used in classical music contexts.
勉強する is the most common for daily study. 学ぶ implies deeper learning or acquisition of wisdom. 学習する is formal and often used in educational contexts.
日本語を勉強するのは楽しい。
Studying Japanese is fun.
失敗から学ぶことが多い。
There is much to learn from failure.
When 'study' means academic or scientific research, use 研究する instead. 勉強する sounds like schoolwork.
彼は物理学を研究している。
He studies physics (as a researcher).
テストのために勉強しなければならない。
I need to study for the test.
彼女は海洋生物学を研究している。
She studies marine biology.
その言葉の意味を辞書で調べた。
I looked up the meaning of that word in the dictionary.
The children are doing their homework in the study room.
このエチュードは指の練習に最適だ。
This étude is perfect for finger practice.