Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 学ぶ | manabu | [ma̠na̠bɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 習う | narau | [na̠ɾa̠ɯ̟] (narrow) |
The Japanese language distinguishes between different ways of learning based on the nature of the knowledge being acquired. Use one form for abstract or academic acquisition and another for instruction from a teacher.
Which one should you use?
学ぶ is used for abstract or academic learning, such as studying a field of science or gaining wisdom from life experience. In contrast, 習う is used when you are being taught a specific skill or subject by a teacher or instructor, such as a language or a musical instrument.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb 学ぶ has several forms: 学びます is the polite form, and 学んだ is the past tense. To express that you are currently in the process of being taught a skill, such as piano lessons, use the progressive form of the instructor-based verb, 習っています.
How do you pronounce it?
manabu
Did you know?
- The word 学ぶ is composed of まな meaning 'imitating' and the suffix ぶ which means 'to act like'. Essentially, to learn in Japanese was originally to 'act like' the knowledge being sought.
- In Japanese culture, the distinction between 学ぶ and 習う reflects the relationship with the teacher. 習う implies a structured transmission of a skill where the student follows the teacher's lead, reflecting a traditional master-disciple dynamic.
- While 学ぶ is used for the act of learning, the noun for 'study' or 'learning' is 学び. This noun is often used in compound words to describe a lifelong journey of self-improvement.
Examples in context
- 人は経験から学ぶ。People learn from experience.This sentence shows how to use 学ぶ regarding learning from experience.Tatoeba #144504 by bunbuku, translation #270061 by CK
- 学ぶのに年は関係ない。One is never too old to learn.This sentence uses 学ぶ to express that age does not limit one's ability to learn.Tatoeba #184521 by bunbuku, translation #21648 by Zifre
- 我々は経験から多くを学ぶ。We learn a lot from experience.This sentence demonstrates the use of 学ぶ in the context of gaining much from experience.Tatoeba #185897 by bunbuku, translation #1415864 by CK
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their goals for the semester.
- 陽葵 Himari今学期は何を学びたいですか？Kongakki wa nani o manabitai desu ka?What do you want to learn this semester?
- 健太 Kenta僕は心理学を学ぶつもりです。Boku wa shinrigaku o manabu tsumori desu.I intend to learn psychology.
- 陽葵 Himariいいですね。面白そうです。Ii desu ne. Omoshirosou desu.That's nice. It sounds interesting.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは何を学ぶんですか？Himarisa-san wa nani o manabu n desu ka?What will you learn, Himari?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations and entries 学ぶ, 習う, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 学ぶ, 習う, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
