Translation and Meaning of: 習う - narau

The Japanese word 習う (ならう) is an essential verb for those learning the language. Its primary meaning is "to learn" or "to study," but it carries nuances that reflect Japanese culture and mentality regarding knowledge. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and everyday use of this word, along with tips for memorizing it easily. If you want to understand how the Japanese approach learning, this guide from Suki Nihongo will help you.

Meaning and usage of 習う

習う is a verb that means "to learn" or "to study," but with a more practical connotation. Unlike 学ぶ (まなぶ), which has a broader sense of acquiring knowledge, 習う is associated with learning through practice or repetition. For example, it is commonly used for activities such as music, calligraphy, or martial arts, where repetition is key.

In everyday life, the Japanese use 習う when referring to specific classes or training. Phrases like "ピアノを習っています" (I am learning piano) are common and show that the verb is associated with skills that require constant practice. This distinction is important for those who want to speak Japanese naturally.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 習 is composed of two elements: 羽 (wings) and 白 (white). Originally, this character represented a bird flapping its wings to learn to fly, symbolizing the process of repetition and training. This image effectively reflects the current meaning of the word, which still carries the idea of constant practice to master a skill.

It is worth noting that 習う is a group 1 verb (godan), which means its conjugation follows a specific pattern. Knowing this helps when forming sentences correctly, especially for those who are starting to study Japanese.

Tips for memorizing 習う

An effective way to fixate on 習う is to associate it with activities that require practice, such as playing an instrument or practicing a sport. Creating sentences like "毎日、日本語を習っています" (I study Japanese every day) helps internalize the verb in the right context. Another tip is to remember the image of the kanji, with the bird learning to fly, to reinforce the meaning.

Furthermore, hearing the word in real contexts, such as in animes or dramas, can facilitate memorization. Many Japanese series show characters 習う traditional skills, which helps to better understand their use in everyday life.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 学ぶ (manabu) - Learn; to study, usually in a more formal or academic context.
• 教わる (osowaru) - Learn from someone, receive instructions or teachings.
• 知る (shiru) - To know; to be aware, refers to the act of acquiring knowledge or information in a general way.
• 知識を得る (chishiki o eru) - Acquire knowledge; it involves the process of appropriating specific information or skills.

習う

Romaji: narau
Kana: ならう
Type: Verb
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: learn

Meaning in English: to learn

Definition: To learn or be taught something by someone else.

Example Sentences - (習う) narau

See below some example sentences:

私は道場で空手を習っています。

Watashi wa dōjō de karate o naratteimasu

I am learning karate in Dojo.

I'm learning karate in Dojo.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 道場 (doujou) - noun that means "dojo," a place for martial arts training
• で (de) - grammatical particle that indicates the place where an action occurs
• 空手 (karate) - noun meaning "karate", a Japanese martial art
• を (wo) - grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 習っています (naratteimasu) - verb meaning "I'm learning"

私は日本語を習っています。

Watashi wa Nihongo wo naratteimasu

I'm learning Japanese.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本語 (nihongo) - noun meaning "Japanese" or "Japanese language"
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 習っています (naratteimasu) - verb meaning "I'm learning"

私は彼女の優しさを見習いたいです。

Watashi wa kanojo no yasashisa o minaraitai desu

I want to learn from her kindness.

I want to imitate your kindness.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 彼女 - noun meaning "she" or "girlfriend" in Japanese
• の - possession particle indicating that "優しさ" belongs to "彼女"
• 優しさ - noun meaning "kindness" or "friendliness" in Japanese
• を - object particle indicating that "優しさ" is the direct object of the action
• 見習いたい - verb meaning "to want to learn" or "to want to follow" in Japanese, conjugated in the affirmative present tense
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or polished form of the sentence, equivalent to the verb "ser" in Portuguese

習慣は第二の天性である。

Shuukan wa daini no tensei de aru

The habit is the second natural nature.

• 習慣 - habit
• は - Topic particle
• 第二 - Second
• の - Possessive particle
• 天性 - innate nature
• で - state particle
• ある - verb to be"