学ぶ

• Reading: まなぶ
• Romaji: manabu
• Kanji breakdown: 学 (gaku/mana) — learning, study, science
• Pronunciation: /ma.na.bɯ/

Meaning

To learn; to study. Acquiring knowledge or skills through effort and experience.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. Compared to 勉強する (studying as an activity), 学ぶ emphasizes the deeper process of gaining understanding: 歴史から学ぶ (to learn from history), 失敗から学ぶ (to learn from mistakes). Slightly more literary than 勉強する and often implies wisdom or insight gained through experience.

Examples

1. 大学で経済学を学んでいます。 I'm studying economics at university.
2. 失敗から多くのことを学んだ。 I learned a lot from my failures.
3. 外国に住んで異文化を学ぶのは貴重な経験だ。 Living abroad and learning about different cultures is a valuable experience.

Usage Guide

Context: education, self-improvement, philosophy

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

From Old Japanese, related to 真似ぶ (manebu, to imitate), reflecting the ancient view that learning begins with imitation. The kanji 学 depicts a child under a roof, symbolizing education.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal