日本語を勉強しています
nihongo o benkyō shite imasu
The English phrase "I am learning japanese" is translated into Japanese as 日本語を勉強しています (nihongo o benkyō shite imasu).
This phrase is a statement used to inform others that you are currently in the process of studying the Japanese language.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase 日本語を勉強しています, the particle を (o) serves as an object marker, marking 日本語 (Japanese) as the direct object of the verb. The component 勉強しています (benkyō shite imasu) means "am studying."
Which one should you use?
If you say 日本語を勉強します (nihongo o benkyō shimasu) instead of 日本語を勉強しています, the meaning changes from a continuous state of learning to either a future intent or a habitual action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form shite imasu is the continuous aspect of the verb suru (to do), which indicates an ongoing action. In the sentence 私は日本語を勉強しています, the phrase watashi wa is used to explicitly state the subject "I", though this is often omitted in natural conversation when the context is clear.
How do you pronounce it?
nihongo o benkyō shite imasu
Did you know?
- While 勉強 (benkyō) means 'study', its original meaning relates to 'forcing' or 'striving', reflecting a historical view of learning as a rigorous and disciplined struggle.
- If you tell a native speaker 日本語を勉強しています, they may respond with 頑張ってください (ganbatte kudasai), which literally means 'please persevere' rather than just 'good luck'.
- While 'learning' is the goal, many Japanese speakers might use the verb 習う (narau) instead of 勉強する (benkyō suru) if they are being taught by a specific teacher or following a formal curriculum.
Examples in context
- 私は日本語を勉強しています。I am learning Japanese.This sentence is useful for stating that you are learning Japanese using the form 日本語を勉強しています.Tatoeba #2301794 by tommy_san, translation #975673 by ultrasaurus
- 今、日本語を勉強しています。Ima, nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.I am learning Japanese now.
- 独学で日本語を勉強しています。Dokugaku de nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.I am learning Japanese through self-study.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about their hobbies.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは、何か勉強していますか？Kenta-san wa, nanika benkyō shite imasu ka?Kenta, are you studying something?
- 健太 Kentaはい、日本語を勉強しています。Hai, nihongo o benkyō shite imasu.Yes, I am learning Japanese.
- 結衣 Yuiすごいですね！頑張ってください。Sugoi desu ne! Ganbatte kudasai.That's impressive! Good luck.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
