慣れる

• Reading: なれる
• Romaji: nareru
• Kanji breakdown: 慣 (kan/na) — accustom, get used to, habit
• Pronunciation: /na.ɾe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To get used to; to grow accustomed to; to become familiar with. Adjusting to new circumstances over time.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb. The pattern ～に慣れる means to get used to something. Extremely useful for language learners discussing their adjustment to life in Japan. Also used as 慣れた (experienced, familiar) as an adjective-like form.

Examples

1. 新しい仕事にやっと慣れてきました。 I've finally gotten used to my new job.
2. 日本の生活に慣れるまで半年かかった。 It took half a year to get used to life in Japan.
3. 辛い食べ物には慣れないと思う。 I don't think I'll ever get used to spicy food.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, adjustment, work

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From the kanji 慣 (kan/na) meaning accustom and get used to. The character combines 心 (heart) with a phonetic element, suggesting the heart becoming settled and comfortable with something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal