学ぶ
manabu[ma̠na̠bɯ̟]
The Japanese phrase for "to learn" is 学ぶ (manabu).
学ぶ is used to describe the general process of learning or acquiring knowledge. You can emphasize the study of a specific subject or field by using the pattern "Noun + の勉強".
Which one should you use?
学ぶ focuses on the academic or deep process of learning. This distinguishes it from 覚える, which focuses specifically on the act of memorizing or committing something to memory. Additionally, while 学ぶ refers to the general acquisition of knowledge, 習う is used specifically when you are learning a skill or subject from a teacher or through formal instruction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The stem form 学び can function as a noun meaning "learning" or "lesson".
How do you pronounce it?
manabu
Did you know?
- The root of 学ぶ is shared with the word 真似, which means 'imitation' or 'mimicry' in modern Japanese.
- In Japanese culture, the distinction between 学ぶ and 習う implies that 学ぶ can be a self-guided lifelong journey, whereas 習う requires an external authority.
- The suffix ぶ in 学ぶ was originally used to mean 'to act like' or 'to seem like', implying that a learner 'acts like' the knowledge they seek.
Examples in context
- 学ぶのに年は関係ない。One is never too old to learn.This sentence uses 学ぶ to show that age is not a barrier to learning.Tatoeba #184521 by bunbuku, translation #21648 by Zifre
- 学ぶのに遅すぎることはない。It is never too late to learn.This sentence uses 学ぶ to express that it is never too late to learn.Tatoeba #184520 by bunbuku, translation #2061 by CK
- 外国語を学ぶことは楽しいよ。It's fun to learn a foreign language.This sentence uses 学ぶ to say that learning a foreign language is enjoyable.Tatoeba #184779 by bunbuku, translation #460246 by jeanne
- 私は日本語を学んでいます。I am learning Japanese.
- 彼はプログラミングのスキルを習得しました。He acquired programming skills.
- 私は日本の文化を勉強しています。I am studying Japanese culture.
- 私は日本の歴史の勉強をしています。I am studying Japanese history.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are discussing their hobbies at school.
- 蓮 Ren最近、何か新しいことをしているの？Saikin, nanika atarashii koto o shite iru no?Have you been doing anything new lately?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、今はオンラインで料理を学ぶよ。Un, ima wa onrain de ryōri o manabu yo.Yeah, I'm learning how to cook online now.
- 蓮 Renすごいね！何を作っているの？Sugoi ne! Nani o tsukutte iru no?That's great! What are you making?
- 美咲 Misaki簡単なイタリア料理を勉強しているよ。Kantan na itaria ryōri o benkyō shite iru yo.I'm studying simple Italian dishes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 学ぶ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 学ぶ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
