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Quadruple VS

Synonym Boundary: "ならいます", "習う", "習います", "身につける"

All represent the core concept "learn", but require precise selection.

Japanese Option A

ならいます

ならいます (naraimasu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B

習う

ならう (narau)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option C

習います

ならいます (naraimasu)
N4 / CEFR
Japanese Option D

身につける

みにつける (mi ni tsukeru)
N2 / CEFR

Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences

When expressing "learn" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "ならいます", "習う", "習います", "身につける" based on context.
  • ならいます (ならいます (naraimasu) - Level: N5): Maps to "to learn, to be taught" and is used when Used for learning skills, subjects, or languages from someone.
  • 習う (ならう (narau) - Level: N5): Maps to "to learn (from a teacher)" and is used when Implies learning a skill or subject from an instructor or institution. Often used with the particle に or から for the source of learning..
  • 習います (ならいます (naraimasu) - Level: N4): Maps to "to learn (from someone)" and is used when 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'..
  • 身につける (みにつける (mi ni tsukeru) - Level: N2): Maps to "to learn, to acquire (a skill); to wear (on one's person)" and is used when Has two main meanings: 1. To master a skill or knowledge so it becomes inherent. 2. To put on clothes or accessories. Often used for skills or habits..
Mixing these up can easily lead to unnatural translations. Refer to the bilingual context cards below to master the boundaries!
Context for "ならいます"
私は日本語を習っています。
I am learning Japanese.
Context for "習う"
私はピアノを習っています。
I am learning piano.
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.
Context for "身につける"
彼は新しい言語を身につけるのが速い。
He is quick to acquire new languages.

Synonym Mastery Challenge

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "私は日本語を習っています。" (Meaning: "I am learning Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "ならいます" is correct here because it represents "to learn, to be taught" in the context: "I am learning Japanese.".

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