Translation and Meaning of: 勉強 - benkyou

The word 「勉強」 (benkyou) means "study" in Japanese and refers to the act of learning, dedicating oneself to knowledge, or engaging in activities related to learning. It is widely used in the educational context, but it can also apply to personal efforts to acquire new skills or knowledge in various areas.

Etymologically, 「勉」 (ben) means "to strive" or "to dedicate oneself," while 「強」 (kyou) means "strength" or "firmness." The combination of the two Kanji conveys the idea of "vigorous effort" or "intense dedication," reflecting the Japanese cultural view that learning requires discipline and perseverance.

"「勉強」 is used in various contexts, such as:"

• Formal study: It refers to learning in schools, universities, or specialized courses, as in 「日本語を勉強しています」 ("I am studying Japanese").
• Autoaprendizado: Includes personal efforts to acquire knowledge outside of formal settings, such as studying a hobby or practicing a skill.
• Figurativo: In some situations, 「勉強」 can also be used to indicate "lessons learned" through experiences or challenges, as a form of personal growth.

Interestingly, in commercial contexts, 「勉強」 can also mean "to offer a discount" informally, as in 「少し勉強します」 ("I will give a discount"), a common expression used by sellers to please customers.

Being central to the Japanese educational and cultural system, 「勉強」 is a word that carries the value attributed to continuous learning and the effort to improve. Its application is vast, from daily use in schools to professional or social situations, making it indispensable in the Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 学習 (Gakushuu) - Learning or study in general
• 研究 (Kenkyuu) - Research, in-depth study on a specific topic
• 調査 (Chousa) - Investigation or inquiry to collect information
• 練習 (Renshuu) - Practice to improve skills
• 訓練 (Kunren) - Training, generally more formal or systematic
• 試験 (Shiken) - Test or formal exam, usually with evaluation
• 鍛錬 (Tanren) - Rigorous practice to develop strength or skills
• 修行 (Shugyou) - Self-discipline and training, often in spiritual or martial arts contexts
• 授業 (Jugyou) - Class or lesson in an educational context
• 学問 (Gaku-mon) - Academic or scholarly knowledge
• 教育 (Kyouiku) - Education as a formal teaching process
• 学習する (Gakushuu suru) - Act of learning or studying
• 習う (Narau) - Learn, often under the guidance of someone.
• 知識を得る (Chishiki wo eru) - Gain knowledge
• 知る (Shiru) - To know or to be familiar with, in a more general sense
• 知恵をつける (Chie wo tsukeru) - Developing wisdom or discernment
• 知識を深める (Chishiki wo fukameru) - Deepen knowledge
• 知識を広げる (Chishiki wo hirogeru) - Expand knowledge
• 学ぶ (Manabu) - Learn, in a broader and more informal sense
• 研究する (Kenkyuu suru) - Act of researching or investigating
• 調べる (Shiraberu) - Search or investigate something specific
• 調査する (Chousa suru) - Conduct an investigation or inquiry
• 試みる (Kokomiru) - Make an attempt or try out
• 試験する (Shiken suru) - Take an exam or test
• 鍛える (Kitaeru) - Strengthen, usually in terms of physical training or skills
• 鍛錬する (Tanren suru) - Devote yourself to rigorous training.
• 修行する (Shugyou suru) - Engaging in training or discipline, often in a spiritual context

勉強

Romaji: benkyou
Kana: べんきょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: study; diligence; discount; reduction

Meaning in English: study;diligence;discount;reduction

Definition: Learn to acquire knowledge or skills.

Example Sentences - (勉強) benkyou

See below some example sentences:

私たちは教室で勉強します。

Watashitachi wa kyōshitsu de benkyō shimasu

We studied in the classroom.

We studied in the classroom.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 教室 - Japanese classroom
• で - Location particle in Japanese
• 勉強 - study in Japanese
• します - polite way of "doing" in Japanese

私の課は日本語を勉強することです。

Watashi no ka wa nihongo wo benkyou suru koto desu

My section is to study Japanese.

• 私の課 (watashi no ka) - "my task"
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 日本語 (nihongo) - "japonês"
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 勉強する (benkyou suru) - "estudar"
• こと (koto) - substantivo abstrato que indica ação ou evento
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

終日勉強する。

Shūjitsu benkyō suru

I'm going to study all day.

Study all day.

• 終日 - It means "all day" or "throughout the day."
• 勉強 - means "study" or "learn".
• する - is a verb that means "to do."

解剖学を勉強しています。

Kaihōgaku wo benkyō shiteimasu

I'm studying anatomy.

• 解剖学 - study of anatomy
• を - direct object particle
• 勉強 - Study, learning
• しています - Is doing