勉強しています
benkyou shite imasu
In Japanese, "I am learning" is expressed as 勉強しています (benkyou shite imasu).
The phrase 勉強しています is used to describe a continuous process of study, rather than a one-time act of studying.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun benkyou (study), the verb suru (to do) in its te-form shite and the auxiliary verb imasu (to be/exist), literally meaning "am doing study".
How does it change in a sentence?
The -te imasu form is used to express a continuous action or a state that is currently happening. The informal version of this phrase is benkyou shite iru, which is used with friends or family.
How do you pronounce it?
benkyou shite imasu
Did you know?
- The word benkyou is occasionally used as a noun to refer to a discount in a shop. A customer might ask for a benkyou price, meaning the seller should 'study' the price to make it lower.
- If you were to say you are 'learning' a skill like piano or karate, you might use narau instead of benkyou suru, as benkyou is strictly for academic or intellectual subjects.
- The word benkyou (study) contains the character for 'effort' or 'exertion', suggesting that learning is not just a mental process but one involving physical or mental struggle.
Examples in context
- 私は日本語を勉強しています。I am learning Japanese.This sentence shows how to say "I am learning Japanese" using 勉強しています.Tatoeba #2301794 by tommy_san, translation #975673 by ultrasaurus
- 私はトルコ語を勉強しています。I am learning Turkish.This sentence shows how to say "I am learning Turkish" using 勉強しています.Tatoeba #2349396 by hutian, translation #860098 by piksea
- 先生、私は日本語を勉強しています。Teacher, I am learning Japanese.
- 営業部の皆さん、私は外国語の学習中です。Everyone in the sales department, I am currently learning a foreign language.
- 大学生活を楽しんでいますが、日本語を勉強している途中です。I am enjoying university life, but I am in the middle of learning Japanese.
- 友達に、日本語を勉強しているんだと話しました。I told my friend that I am learning Japanese.
- 先輩、最近日本語の勉強中なんだよ。Hey senpai, I've been learning Japanese recently.
- 今、数学を勉強しています。Ima, suugaku o benkyou shiteimasu.I am studying mathematics now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about their hobbies.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんは、何か勉強していますか。Youta-san wa, nanika benkyou shite imasu ka.Yota, are you studying anything?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、フランス語を勉強しています。Hai, furansugo o benkyou shite imasu.Yes, I am learning French.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいですね！難しいですか。Sugoi desu ne! Muzukashii desu ka.That's amazing! Is it difficult?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、でもとても楽しいです。Hai, demo totemo tanoshii desu.Yes, but it is very fun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
