Translation guide
How to say you are taking lessons or classes in a subject, skill, or activity in Japanese. The most natural expressions depend on what kind of lesson it is and the context.
Expressing that you are taking lessons or classes in something like piano, English, cooking, etc.
I'm taking piano lessons.
He's taking English conversation lessons.
A slightly more formal way to say you are taking lessons. レッスン means 'lesson', and 受ける (うける) means 'to take/receive'. Often used for private or specialized lessons.
I take guitar lessons once a week.
Literally 'attending a ~ class'. 教室 (きょうしつ) means 'class' or 'school', and 通う (かよう) means 'to attend regularly'. Good for group classes or schools.
I'm taking cooking classes.
Means 'being taught ~'. Emphasizes the teacher-student relationship. 教わる (おそわる) is the passive/benefactive form of 教える (おしえる, to teach).
I'm taking calligraphy lessons from a teacher.
Referring to taking a particular lesson or class, often at a school or institution.
Used for academic classes or courses. 授業 (じゅぎょう) means 'class/lesson' in a school context. 受ける means 'to take'.
I'm taking an economics class at university.
Casual way to say 'taking a class'. クラス is from English 'class', and 取る (とる) means 'to take'. Common among students.
Emphasizing that you are learning from a particular person.
Use the particle に to mark the teacher. Same verb 習う.
I'm taking piano lessons from Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
More formal, using について meaning 'under (the guidance of)'. Often used in traditional arts.
習う (ならう) implies learning from a teacher or taking lessons, while 勉強する (べんきょうする) means 'to study' on your own or in a class. If you are taking lessons, use 習う. If you are studying by yourself, use 勉強する.
I'm taking piano lessons.
I'm studying Japanese (possibly on my own).
The English verb 'take' in 'take lessons' does not translate to 取る (とる) except in the casual expression クラスを取る. Using 取る for other lesson types sounds unnatural.
I'm taking a French class this semester.
I'm taking tea ceremony lessons under a famous master.