Learning how to express the subjects you study in Japanese is a crucial step when talking about your academic pursuits. Whether you want to discuss your schoolwork in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with useful phrases, tips, and examples to help you effectively communicate your areas of study in Japanese.
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Formal Ways to Talk about Subjects
When speaking formally, such as in educational or professional settings, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. 私は＿＿を勉強しています。
Watashi wa ____ o benkyō shiteimasu.
I am studying ____.2. ＿＿ という科目を学んでいます。
____ to iu kamoku o manandeimasu.
I am learning a subject called ____.3. 私は＿＿を専攻しています。
Watashi wa ____ o senkō shiteimasu.
I am majoring in ____.
For example, if you want to say “I am studying Japanese literature,” you can use the first phrase:
私は日本文学を勉強しています。
Watashi wa Nihon bungaku o benkyō shiteimasu.
When using these phrases, be sure to customize them with the specific subjects you are studying.
Informal Ways to Talk about Subjects
If you are having a casual conversation with friends or classmates, you can use less formal language. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. ＿＿を勉強しているんだ。
____ o benkyō shite irun da.
I am studying ____.2. ＿＿っていうのを習っているよ。
____ tte iu no o naratte iru yo.
I am learning something called ____.3. ＿＿を専攻しているんだ。
____ o senkō shite irun da.
I am majoring in ____.
For example, if you want to say “I am studying computer science,” you can use the first phrase:
コンピューターサイエンスを勉強しているんだ。
Konpyūtā saiensu o benkyō shite irun da.
Remember to adjust these phrases to match the subjects you are studying.
Tips for Expressing Your Subjects of Study
Here are some additional tips to help you effectively communicate the subjects you study in Japanese:
- Use appropriate counters: When mentioning the number of subjects, use appropriate counters such as 個 (ko) for general subjects or 科目 (kamoku) for specific subjects.
- Combine with verbs: To express activities related to studying, combine the subject name with verbs like 勉強する (benkyō suru) for “to study” or 学ぶ (manabu) for “to learn.”
- Be specific: Instead of using broad terms like “science,” specify the field you are studying, such as “biology” (生物学, seibutsugaku) or “chemistry” (化学, kagaku).
- Include additional explanations: If necessary, you can provide further explanations about the subjects you study, such as why you find them interesting or what you hope to achieve through your studies.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate how to talk about the subjects you study in Japanese:
1. 数学を勉強しています。
Sūgaku o benkyō shiteimasu.
I am studying mathematics.2. 化学と物理を学んでいます。
Kagaku to butsuri o manandeimasu.
I am learning chemistry and physics.3. 外国語を専攻しています。主に英語を勉強しています。
Gaikokugo o senkō shiteimasu. Omoni Eigo o benkyō shiteimasu.
I am majoring in foreign languages. I mainly study English.
Remember that these examples can be adapted to match your specific subjects of study.
Now armed with these phrases, tips, and examples, you can confidently communicate the subjects you study in Japanese, whether in formal or informal situations. Remember to adjust your language based on your audience, and feel free to add personal touches to make your conversations more engaging.
