“To learn” in Japanese is 習う (ならう), pronounced narau.
Pronunciation
The word has 3 beats (morae), each about the same length. Tap a syllable to hear it, or play the whole word:
How to use it
To learn from a teacher, especially skills like piano or calligraphy. Studying on your own is more often 勉強する.
Example sentences
- ピアノを習っています。ピアノをならっています。I’m taking piano lessons.
- 子供のとき、空手を習いました。こどものとき、からてをならいました。I learned karate as a child.
Conjugation
The most useful forms of 習う. The rules are explained in Japanese verbs: the ます form.
| Form | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary (plain) | 習う ならう | learn |
| Polite present | 習います ならいます | learn |
| Polite negative | 習いません ならいません | don’t learn |
| Polite past | 習いました ならいました | past of “learn” |
| Plain negative (ない) | 習わない ならわない | don’t learn (casual) |
| Plain past (た) | 習った ならった | past of “learn” (casual) |
| て-form | 習って ならって | learn and… / please learn (+ください) |
| Want to (たい) | 習いたい ならいたい | want to learn |
Quick practice
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Related words: Everyday verbs
FAQ
How do you say to learn in Japanese?
To learn in Japanese is 習う (ならう), pronounced “narau”.
How do you write to learn in Japanese?
It's written 習う with kanji, or ならう in hiragana. Both are read narau.
Is 習う on the JLPT?
Yes. 習う (narau) is a common word at JLPT N5 level, so it's worth learning early.