習う|ならうnarau[2]nakadaka (mid-high)

JLPT N5approx.Common
Definitions
  1. godan verb, transitive verbto take lessons in; to be taught; to learn (from a teacher); to study (under a teacher); to get training in
    車くるまの運転うんてんを習ならっています。↗
    I've been learning to drive.
Conjugation
Dictionary form習う(ならう)
Polite (masu)習います(ならいます)
Negative (nai)習わない(ならわない)
polite (masen)習いません(ならいません)
classical zu / nu習わず・習わぬ(ならわず・ならわぬ)
Past (ta)習った(ならった)
polite (mashita)習いました(ならいました)
Past negative (nakatta)習わなかった(ならわなかった)
polite (masen deshita)習いませんでした(ならいませんでした)
Te form習って(ならって)
Potential習える(ならえる)
Passive習われる(ならわれる)
Causative習わせる(ならわせる)
Causative passive習わせられる・習わされる(ならわせられる・ならわされる)
Conditional (ba)習えば(ならえば)
tara習ったら(ならったら)
Volitional習おう(ならおう)
polite (mashou)習いましょう(ならいましょう)
Imperative習え(ならえ)

Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.

Synonyms & antonyms
  • Synonym学ぶまなぶNeutralBroader in range than 「習う」: it can mean being taught, but also learning from books or experience, as in 「歴史に学ぶ」; 「習う」 is mostly learning skills from a person.
  • Antonym教えるおしえるNeutralThe opposite of 「習う」: to pass on knowledge or skills to others. It can also mean telling someone something, as in 「道を教える」.
  • Antonym指導するWrittenThe opposite of 「習う」: to guide or coach others; written/formal in tone, used mainly of coaches and superiors.

Use 「習う」 for learning a skill or subject from a person, as in 「日本語を習う」 or 「ピアノを習う」. Use 「学ぶ」 for learning from books or experience or study in general. To teach or guide someone, use 「教える」 or 「指導する」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese definitions
  1. 知識ちしき・技術ぎじゅつなどを教おそわる。
  2. 練習れんしゅうして身みに付つける。
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android