Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Learn" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "learn", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
学ぶ
まなぶ (manabu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
習います
ならいます (naraimasu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "learn" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 学ぶ and 習います.
In Japanese, 学ぶ (まなぶ (manabu)) is typically associated with "to learn, to study" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Transitive verb. Implies acquiring knowledge or skills, often in a structured or formal way. Similar to 勉強する.
On the other hand, 習います (ならいます (naraimasu)) maps to "to learn (from someone)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 先生や専門家から知識や技能を学ぶ際に使います。学ぶ内容は「を」、教わる相手は「に」で示されます。/ Used when acquiring knowledge or skills from a teacher or expert. The content learned is marked with 'を', and the person from whom it is learned is marked with 'に'.. A literal translation of "learn" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "学ぶ"
私は日本語を学んでいます。
I am learning Japanese.
Bilingual Context for "習います"
日本語学校で日本語を習います。
I learn Japanese at a Japanese language school.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は日本語を学んでいます。" (Meaning: "I am learning Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "学ぶ" fits here because it means "to learn, to study" in the context of: "I am learning Japanese.". "習います" represents "to learn (from someone)".