Translation guide
The concept of learning something on your own, without a formal teacher or class. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with the term 独学 (self-study) or phrases like 自分で勉強する (study by oneself).
Expressing that you are learning something by yourself, without a teacher or formal instruction.
Noun meaning self-study or learning on one's own. Often used with する to mean 'to teach oneself'.
彼は独学で日本語を勉強した。
He taught himself Japanese.
独学でプログラミングを学びました。
I learned programming on my own.
Literally 'study by oneself'. A straightforward way to say you are teaching yourself.
私は自分で英語を勉強しています。
I am teaching myself English.
Formal term for self-study, often used in academic or technical contexts.
彼は独習で数学を習得した。
He mastered mathematics through self-study.
Emphasizing the process of figuring things out on your own through practice and mistakes.
Literally 'learn by groping', meaning to learn through trial and error, feeling your way.
新しいソフトを手探りで学んだ。
I taught myself the new software through trial and error.
To learn by trial and error. Emphasizes the iterative process.
試行錯誤しながら料理を覚えた。
I taught myself to cook through trial and error.
Acquiring a skill naturally without formal study, often through observation or practice.
To learn by watching and imitating. Common for hands-on skills.
父の仕事を見よう見まねで覚えた。
I taught myself my father's trade by watching and imitating.
To acquire naturally, without conscious effort. Often used for languages or habits.
海外生活で英語を自然に身につけた。
I picked up English naturally while living abroad.
独学 is a noun that specifically means self-study, often implying a systematic approach. 自分で勉強する is a more general verb phrase meaning 'to study by oneself'. Use 独学 when you want to emphasize the self-taught nature, and 自分で勉強する for everyday statements.
独学で資格を取った。
I got the qualification through self-study.
毎日自分で勉強しています。
I study by myself every day.
The phrase 'teach oneself' does not translate directly into Japanese. Avoid literal translations like 自分に教える, which sounds unnatural. Instead, use 独学する, 自分で勉強する, or other context-appropriate expressions.
ギターは独学で覚えました。
I taught myself how to play the guitar.
彼女は自分でフランス語を勉強しています。
She is teaching herself French.
彼は独学でプログラミングを学んだ。
He taught himself to code.