How to say "acquire" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 得るえるichidan verb, transitive verbThe broad, general-purpose choice for gaining something — knowledge, trust, profit, experience — typically through effort. When 'acquire' has no special nuance, this is the word to reach for.
- 得るうるnidan verb (archaic), transitive verbThe same verb as 得る（える） but read うる; a formal or literary term. The meaning is unchanged, so in everyday contexts the える reading is the usual choice.
- 覚えるおぼえるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'acquire' in the sense of learning or picking up a skill, technique, or piece of knowledge — committing it to memory or making it your own. Not for acquiring objects, rights, or profit.
- godan verb, transitive verbFits 'acquire' in the figurative sense of grabbing or seizing something, such as a chance, victory, or trust. For neutral acquisition it is seldom the word you want; it is normally written in kana.
- 仕込むしこむgodan verb, transitive verbOnly covers 'acquire' when the object is information: it suggests being primed or briefed, planting or cramming something in ahead of time. For acquiring skills, goods, or qualifications, this is not the word.
Choose 「得る」（える） as the general word for gaining something, 「覚える」 for picking up skills or knowledge, 「つかむ」 for seizing or winning something, and 「仕込む」 only for information; 「得る」（うる） is the formal, literary reading of 「得る」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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