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B1 noun #4,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

習い事

naraigoto Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 習い事 en 30 secondes

Explication 習い事 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 'naraigoto' as a simple word for 'lessons.' You might use it to talk about basic things you do after school or work. For example, 'I have a piano naraigoto.' It's a noun that you can use with 'desu' (is) or 'shimasu' (do). It helps you describe your schedule. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember it means 'a class for fun or skill.' Examples: 'Naraigoto wa piano desu' (My lesson is piano). 'Ashita wa naraigoto ga arimasu' (I have a lesson tomorrow). It's a great word to use when meeting new people and talking about what you do in your free time. Keep it simple and focus on the 'teacher-student' aspect—if someone is teaching you, it's a naraigoto!

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'naraigoto' with more descriptive words and basic particles. You might talk about what you 'want' to do (naraigoto o shitai) or what you 'can' do (naraigoto ga dekiru). You can also use it to describe your childhood using the past tense: 'Kodomo no koro, naraigoto o shite imashita' (I was doing lessons when I was a child). You should understand that it's different from 'benkyou' (study) because it's usually for skills like sports or music. You can also start using it with 'kayou' (to commute/attend) to show a regular habit. For example, 'Shu ni ikkai, naraigoto ni kayotte imasu' (I attend a lesson once a week). This shows you have a routine.

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At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural weight of 'naraigoto' in Japan. It's not just a 'hobby'; it's often a structured part of life. You can use it in more complex sentences, like discussing the pros and cons of certain lessons for children. You might use the causative form: 'Oya wa kodomo ni naraigoto o saseru' (Parents make their children do lessons). You can also discuss the 'ranking' of popular lessons or the cost (hiyou). B1 learners should be able to distinguish 'naraigoto' from 'shumi' (hobby) and 'juku' (cram school) in conversation. You can say things like, 'Naraigoto o hajimeru kakehashi ni naru' (It becomes a bridge to starting a new lesson). You are now using the word to express opinions and social observations.

At the B2 level, you can use 'naraigoto' to discuss broader social trends in Japan, such as the 'naraigoto-binbou' (being poor due to lesson fees) or the impact of digital technology on traditional lessons. You can use it in formal writing or debates about education. You should be comfortable with various collocations like 'naraigoto o tsuzukeru' (to continue lessons) or 'naraigoto o yamete shimau' (to end up quitting lessons). You might also explore the nuance between 'naraigoto' and 'okeiko,' using the latter for more traditional Japanese arts. You can describe the psychological benefits, such as 'naraigoto wa sutoresu kaishou ni yakudatsu' (lessons are useful for stress relief). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the discipline and social expectations involved.

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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'naraigoto' reaches a near-native level of nuance. You can discuss the historical evolution of the term from the Edo period 'terakoya' to modern-day specialized 'enrichment' centers. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of 'naraigoto' as a form of cultural capital. You might use the word in literary or academic contexts, discussing how 'naraigoto' shapes identity or community in Japan. You can also use it idiomatically or in sophisticated humor. For instance, you could critique the 'commercialization of naraigoto' in urban Japan. You understand the subtle shift in register when a speaker chooses 'naraigoto' over 'ressun' or 'okeiko' to convey a specific level of humility or tradition.

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At the C2 level, 'naraigoto' is a tool for deep cultural analysis. You can speak eloquently about the philosophy of 'do' (the way) that underlies many traditional 'naraigoto' and how this compares to Western concepts of 'extra-curricular activities.' You can navigate the most complex honorifics when discussing lessons with a 'sensei' or a 'iemoto' (head of a school). You are aware of the regional differences in 'naraigoto' popularity and the demographic shifts affecting the industry. You can synthesize information from sociological studies on 'naraigoto' and present them in a professional manner. Your mastery allows you to use the word to describe the 'refining of the soul' (kokoro o migaku) through lifelong learning, moving far beyond the simple definition of 'lessons.'

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

習い事 en 30 secondes

Naraigoto refers to extracurricular lessons or activities done regularly with a teacher to learn a specific skill or hobby outside of formal school or work.
It is a central part of Japanese culture, with a huge market for children's enrichment and adult self-improvement classes ranging from piano to coding.
The word implies a structured environment with a curriculum and instructor, distinguishing it from self-taught hobbies or purely academic cram schools (juku).
Common examples include traditional arts like calligraphy, sports like swimming, and modern skills like English conversation or programming, often involving monthly fees.

The Japanese word 習い事 (習いごと - naraigoto) is a quintessential term in Japanese culture that refers to structured lessons or extracurricular activities pursued outside of formal schooling or professional work. While the English word 'hobby' captures some of its essence, naraigoto specifically implies the presence of a teacher, a curriculum, and a consistent schedule. It is derived from the verb 習う (narau - to learn) and 事 (koto/goto - thing/matter), literally meaning 'matters of learning.'

Cultural Nuance: Unlike a self-taught hobby like reading or jogging, a naraigoto usually involves a 'sensei' (teacher) and often takes place at a specific school (kyoushitsu) or studio. For children, this might be piano or swimming; for adults, it could be flower arrangement (ikebana) or tea ceremony (sado).

子供の頃、たくさんの習い事をしていました。
(Kodomo no koro, takusan no naraigoto o shite imashita.)
I used to do many extracurricular lessons when I was a child.

The term is heavily associated with the concept of 'okeiko' (practice/training). In Japan, the culture of naraigoto is massive, with parents often enrolling children in multiple activities to ensure a well-rounded upbringing. Common examples include shodo (calligraphy), soroban (abacus), and various sports. For adults, naraigoto serves as a bridge for social interaction and personal growth, often seen as a way to refine one's character or 'tasunami' (tastes/accomplishments).

Modern Context: Today, the scope of naraigoto has expanded to include coding, English conversation (eikaiwa), and even specialized fitness classes like yoga or Pilates. It remains a key part of the Japanese lifestyle and a frequent topic of small talk.

最近、新しい習い事を始めようと思っています。
(Saikin, atarashii naraigoto o hajimeyou to omotte imasu.)
I'm thinking of starting a new lesson/hobby recently.

Etymological Breakdown: 習い (narai - learning/habit) + 事 (goto - thing). This implies that learning should become a habit or a natural part of one's life through repeated practice.

人気の習い事ランキングをチェックする。
(Ninki no naraigoto rankingu o chekku suru.)
To check the ranking of popular extracurricular lessons.

Using 習い事 correctly involves understanding the verbs that typically accompany it. The most common verb is suru (to do), but depending on the nuance—whether you are the student, the parent, or the observer—the phrasing changes significantly. It acts as a standard noun and can be modified by adjectives like 'popular,' 'difficult,' or 'expensive.'

Verb Pairings: 1. 習い事をする (Naraigoto o suru): To take lessons.
2. 習い事に通う (Naraigoto ni kayou): To commute to/attend lessons regularly.
3. 習い事をさせる (Naraigoto o saseru): To make (one's child) take lessons.

娘にどんな習い事をさせるべきか悩んでいます。
(Musume ni donna naraigoto o saseru beki ka nayande imasu.)
I am worried about what kind of lessons I should have my daughter do.

When discussing the benefits or costs, you might use naraigoto as the subject. For instance, 'Naraigoto wa okane ga kakaru' (Lessons cost money). In a social setting, asking 'Naraigoto, nani ka shiteru?' (Are you doing any lessons/hobbies?) is a very natural way to start a conversation about personal interests.

Descriptive Usage: You can use 'naraigoto' with 'sagashi' (searching) to say 'naraigoto-sagashi' (looking for a hobby/class). You can also use 'naraigoto-binbou' (being poor due to lesson fees)—a humorous but real situation for many Japanese families.

大人になってからの習い事は、リフレッシュになります。
(Otona ni natte kara no naraigoto wa, rifuresshu ni narimasu.)
Taking lessons after becoming an adult is refreshing.

Remember that naraigoto usually excludes mandatory education (school) and purely academic cram schools (juku), although the line for juku can sometimes blur if the subject is something like 'shodo' or 'soroban' which are academic but traditionally considered 'naraigoto.'

Common Questions: 'Shumi wa nan desu ka?' (What is your hobby?) is broad. 'Naraigoto wa nan desu ka?' (What lessons do you take?) is specific to structured learning.

週に三回、習い事のために渋谷へ行きます。
(Shuu ni sankai, naraigoto no tame ni Shibuya e ikimasu.)
I go to Shibuya three times a week for my lessons.

You will encounter 習い事 in a variety of social and media contexts in Japan. It is a staple of 'lifestyle' magazines, parenting blogs, and television programs that discuss the 'education fever' or the latest trends in adult self-improvement. Because it is a B1-level word, it is common in both daily conversation and semi-formal writing.

Parenting Circles: Parents (often called 'mama-tomo' or 'papa-tomo') frequently discuss their children's naraigoto. It's a way to compare notes on quality, cost, and the child's progress. You might hear: 'Uchi no ko, naraigoto ga oosugite taihen nano' (My child has too many lessons, it's tough).

最近の子供の習い事は、プログラミングが人気だ。
(Saikin no kodomo no naraigoto wa, puroguramingu ga ninki da.)
Programming is a popular lesson among children these days.

In the workplace, naraigoto is a safe and polite topic for small talk. It reveals something about a person's character without being overly intrusive. If a colleague leaves early on a Wednesday, they might explain, 'Kyou wa naraigoto ga aru node' (I have a lesson today). It suggests a disciplined and cultured lifestyle.

Media and Advertisements: Advertising for 'Yomiuri Culture' or 'NHK Culture' centers often uses the word naraigoto to attract adults looking for new skills. You'll see titles like 'Naraigoto Tokushu' (Special feature on lessons) in magazines like Hanako or Very.

この雑誌には、大人のための習い事情報が満載です。
(Kono zasshi ni wa, otona no tame no naraigoto jouhou ga mansai desu.)
This magazine is full of information on lessons for adults.

Furthermore, in anime and drama, a character's naraigoto often serves as a plot device or a personality trait. For example, a 'rich girl' character is almost always shown doing ballet or piano as her naraigoto, emphasizing her upbringing.

Online Communities: On social media like X (Twitter) or Instagram, hashtags like #習い事 or #大人の習い事 are used to share progress photos of calligraphy, cooking, or gym sessions.

習い事の成果をSNSにアップする。
(Naraigoto no seika o SNS ni appu suru.)
To upload the results of one's lessons to social media.

While 習い事 is a versatile word, English speakers often make the mistake of using it as a direct synonym for 'hobby' (shumi). Understanding the boundary between these two is crucial for natural-sounding Japanese.

Mistake 1: Self-Study vs. Lessons: If you are teaching yourself Japanese at home with a book, that is not a naraigoto. It is 'shumi' or 'dokugaku' (self-study). A naraigoto requires a teacher-student dynamic. If you go to a Japanese language school, then it becomes a naraigoto.

× 独学でギターを弾くのは習い事です。
○ ギター教室に通うのは習い事です。
(Self-teaching guitar isn't a naraigoto; attending a guitar school is.)

Another common error is using naraigoto for formal academic subjects like university courses. While you are 'learning' (narau), university or professional certification courses are too formal or career-oriented to be called naraigoto. The word implies a certain level of extracurricular enjoyment or personal enrichment.

Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Juku': English speakers often lump all after-school activities together. However, juku (cram school) is for improving school grades and passing exams. Naraigoto is for skills like swimming, piano, or art. Calling a math cram school a 'naraigoto' sounds slightly off to a native speaker.

塾は勉強のため、習い事はスキルのため。
(Juku is for studying; naraigoto is for skills.)

Finally, watch the verb. Don't say 'naraigoto o asobu' (play lessons). Always use 'suru' (do), 'kayou' (attend), or 'narau' (learn). Also, be careful with the honorifics; you don't usually put an 'o' before 'naraigoto' (i.e., 'onaraigoto' is rare/old-fashioned), as the 'o' is already somewhat baked into the concept of 'okeiko'.

The 'Passive' Mistake: Avoid saying 'naraigoto o oshieru' (to teach lessons) as a teacher. Teachers say 'oshiete imasu' or 'kyoushitsu o hiraite imasu' (opening a class). 'Naraigoto' is primarily from the perspective of the learner or parent.

先生は習い事を教えるとはあまり言いません。
(Teachers don't usually say they 'teach naraigoto'.)

To truly master 習い事, you must know its synonyms and how they differ in register and context. The Japanese language has several words for 'learning' and 'practice,' each with its own flavor.

1. お稽古 (Okeiko): Very similar to naraigoto, but carries a more traditional, elegant, or disciplined nuance. It's often used for traditional arts like tea ceremony, dance, or flower arrangement. It is frequently used by women or in formal contexts.

2. 趣味 (Shumi): Meaning 'hobby,' this is the broadest term. All naraigoto can be hobbies, but not all hobbies are naraigoto. If you do it alone (like gaming or reading), it's just shumi.

趣味は読書ですが、習い事としてピアノも弾いています。
(My hobby is reading, but I also play piano as a lesson.)

3. 稽古 (Keiko): Without the 'o', keiko is the act of practicing, especially in martial arts (kendo, judo) or performing arts (kabuki, sumo). You 'do' keiko, whereas naraigoto is the category of the activity itself.

4. 習学 (Shuugaku) / 学習 (Gakushuu): These are academic terms for 'study' or 'learning.' They are used in formal education contexts. You wouldn't call ballet 'gakushuu,' but you would use it for mathematics.

生涯習い事を続けることは、脳に良い。
(Continuing to take lessons throughout life is good for the brain.)

Lastly, consider lesson (レッスン) and school (スクール). In modern Japan, these katakana words are very common. 'Piano no ressun' (piano lesson) or 'Eikaiwa sukuuru' (English conversation school). Naraigoto is the umbrella term that covers all of these katakana-branded activities.

5. 芸事 (Geigoto): Specifically refers to 'accomplishments' in the arts (music, dance, etc.). It's a subset of naraigoto that excludes sports like swimming.

彼女は多彩な習い事をこなしている。
(She handles a diverse range of lessons.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'goto' (事) part was added to turn the action of learning into a noun category, similar to how 'shopping' is 'kaimono' (buying-thing).

Guide de prononciation

UK /næˌraɪˈɡoʊtoʊ/

US /nɑːraɪɡoʊtoʊ/

In Japanese, it is flat (heiban) or has a slight drop after 'go'. In English-influenced speech, stress is often on 'rai'.

Rime avec

Arigato (not exact but close rhythm) Potato (with a Japanese accent) Kyoto (rhythmic similarity) Photo (ending sound) Moto Koto Noto Goto

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'rai' as 'ray'. It should be 'rye'.
Stress on the first syllable 'NA-raigoto'. It should be more even.
Making the 'g' too hard. It's a soft 'g'.
Elongating the 'o' at the end too much.
Confusing the 'r' with a hard English 'r'. It should be a Japanese 'r' (flap).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Kanji is common but 'goto' reading can be tricky for beginners.

Écriture 3/5

習 is a mid-level kanji with many strokes.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward.

Écoute 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

習う (narau) 事 (koto) 子供 (kodomo) 趣味 (shumi) 勉強 (benkyou)

Apprends ensuite

月謝 (gessha) 発表会 (happyoukai) 塾 (juku) 稽古 (keiko) 才能 (sainou)

Avancé

情操教育 (jousou kyouiku) 自己研鑽 (jiko kensan) 家元 (iemoto) 師範 (shihan) 名取 (natori)

Grammaire à connaître

Causative form (させる)

子供にピアノを習わせる。

Habitual aspect (〜ている)

毎週、水泳の習い事に通っている。

Purpose (〜ために)

習い事のために貯金する。

Noun modification

人気の習い事、高い習い事。

Listing (〜や〜など)

習い事はピアノや水泳などがある。

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Exemples par niveau

習い事はピアノです。

My lesson is piano.

Simple A is B structure.

習い事が好きです。

I like lessons.

Using 'ga suki' for preference.

明日は習い事があります。

I have a lesson tomorrow.

Using 'ga arimasu' for scheduled things.

どんな習い事をしていますか？

What kind of lessons are you doing?

Question form 'shite imasu ka'.

習い事は楽しいです。

Lessons are fun.

Adjective 'tanoshii' modifying the noun.

毎週、習い事に行きます。

I go to my lesson every week.

Time expression 'maishuu'.

習い事は水泳です。

My lesson is swimming.

Identifying the specific activity.

新しい習い事を始めます。

I will start a new lesson.

Verb 'hajimemasu' (to start).

子供の時、習い事をたくさんしていました。

When I was a child, I did many lessons.

Past continuous 'shite imashita'.

習い事のために、新しい靴を買いました。

I bought new shoes for my lessons.

Purpose 'no tame ni'.

習い事に通うのは大変ですが、楽しいです。

Commuting to lessons is hard, but fun.

Gerund 'no wa' used as a subject.

何か習い事をしたいと思っています。

I'm thinking that I want to do some kind of lesson.

Volitional 'shitai to omotte iru'.

習い事の先生はとても優しいです。

My lesson teacher is very kind.

Possessive 'no sensei'.

月曜日は習い事の日です。

Monday is lesson day.

Noun + no + Noun.

習い事をやめたいです。

I want to quit my lessons.

Desire 'yametai'.

一番人気がある習い事は何ですか？

What is the most popular lesson?

Superlative 'ichiban ninki ga aru'.

習い事を続けるコツは何ですか？

What is the trick to continuing lessons?

Noun 'kotsu' (knack/trick).

大人になってから習い事を始める人が増えています。

The number of people starting lessons after becoming adults is increasing.

Relative clause + 'hito ga fuete iru'.

習い事のおかげで、新しい友達ができました。

Thanks to my lessons, I made new friends.

Reason 'no okage de' (thanks to).

自分に合った習い事を探すのは難しい。

It is difficult to find a lesson that suits you.

Relative clause 'jibun ni atta'.

習い事の月謝を払うのを忘れました。

I forgot to pay the monthly lesson fee.

Specific noun 'gessha' (monthly fee).

習い事を通じて、日本の文化を学びたい。

I want to learn Japanese culture through lessons.

Compound particle 'o tsuujite' (through).

子供に無理やり習い事をさせるのは良くない。

It's not good to force children to do lessons.

Causative form 'saseru'.

習い事の成果を披露する発表会があります。

There is a recital to show the results of the lessons.

Noun 'happyoukai' (recital/presentation).

習い事は、単なる趣味以上の意味を持っています。

Lessons hold more meaning than just a simple hobby.

Comparison 'shumi ijou no'.

最近の習い事事情は、昔とは大きく異なっている。

The current state of lessons is vastly different from the past.

Noun 'jijou' (circumstances/state of affairs).

習い事に没頭することで、ストレスを解消する。

By immersing oneself in lessons, one relieves stress.

Verb 'bottou suru' (to be immersed).

経済的な理由で習い事を断念せざるを得ない。

One has no choice but to give up lessons for financial reasons.

Grammar 'se-zaru o enai' (have no choice but).

習い事が子供の自立心を育むと言われている。

It is said that lessons nurture a child's sense of independence.

Passive 'iwarete iru' (it is said).

多くの習い事を掛け持ちするのは、時間的に厳しい。

Juggling many lessons simultaneously is tough time-wise.

Verb 'kakemochi suru' (to juggle multiple things).

伝統的な習い事が、現代でも大切にされている。

Traditional lessons are still valued even in modern times.

Passive 'taisetsu ni sarete iru'.

習い事の選択肢が多様化している。

The options for lessons are diversifying.

Verb 'tayouka suru' (to diversify).

習い事は、個人のアイデンティティ形成に寄与する。

Lessons contribute to the formation of an individual's identity.

Academic verb 'kiyo suru' (contribute).

習い事市場の縮小は、少子化の影響を色濃く受けている。

The shrinking of the lesson market is heavily influenced by the declining birthrate.

Idiom 'irokoku ukeru' (heavily influenced).

習い事を通じたコミュニティ形成の重要性を説く。

Explain the importance of community formation through lessons.

Verb 'toku' (to explain/advocate).

習い事における「道」の精神は、日本独特の教育観である。

The spirit of 'Do' (the way) in lessons is a uniquely Japanese view of education.

Noun 'kyouikukan' (view of education).

習い事が、ワークライフバランスの維持に一役買っている。

Lessons play a role in maintaining work-life balance.

Idiom 'hitoyaku kau' (to play a role).

習い事の月謝の高騰が、家計を圧迫している。

The soaring monthly fees for lessons are putting pressure on household finances.

Verb 'appaku suru' (to pressure).

習い事のオンライン化が、教育の格差を是正する可能性がある。

The shift of lessons to online platforms has the potential to correct educational disparities.

Verb 'zesei suru' (to correct/rectify).

習い事の習熟度は、練習の質と量に比例する。

The level of proficiency in lessons is proportional to the quality and quantity of practice.

Noun 'shuujukudo' (proficiency level).

習い事は、単なるスキルの習得に留まらず、人間形成の場としての機能を果たしてきた。

Lessons have functioned not merely as a place for skill acquisition but as a venue for character building.

Structure 'ni todomarazu' (not limited to).

習い事という文化装置が、日本社会の規範意識をどのように再生産しているかを考察する。

Consider how the cultural apparatus of 'naraigoto' reproduces the normative consciousness of Japanese society.

Academic term 'bunka souchi' (cultural apparatus).

習い事の多様性は、ポストモダン社会における自己実現の欲求を反映している。

The diversity of lessons reflects the desire for self-actualization in postmodern society.

Abstract concept 'jiko jitsugen' (self-actualization).

習い事における師弟関係の変容は、現代の人間関係の希薄化を象徴している。

The transformation of the teacher-student relationship in lessons symbolizes the thinning of modern human relationships.

Verb 'shouchou suru' (to symbolize).

習い事の商業化が、本来の「学び」の質を損なう懸念がある。

There is a concern that the commercialization of lessons may impair the inherent quality of 'learning.'

Verb 'sokonau' (to damage/impair).

習い事を通じた生涯学習の推進は、高齢化社会におけるQOL向上に不可欠である。

Promoting lifelong learning through lessons is essential for improving QOL in an aging society.

Abbreviation 'QOL' (Quality of Life).

習い事の系譜を辿ることで、日本人の技能伝承の在り方が浮き彫りになる。

By tracing the lineage of lessons, the nature of skill transmission among Japanese people becomes clear.

Idiom 'ukibori ni naru' (to become distinct/clear).

習い事の「型」を守ることは、伝統の継承において極めて重要な意味を持つ。

Protecting the 'kata' (form) of lessons has extremely significant meaning in the succession of tradition.

Noun 'kata' (form/pattern).

Synonymes

レッスン稽古趣味

Collocations courantes

習い事をする

習い事に通う

習い事をさせる

習い事をやめる

人気の習い事

習い事の月謝

習い事を探す

習い事の発表会

大人の習い事

習い事を掛け持ちする

Phrases Courantes

習い事は何ですか？

— What lessons do you take? Used for ice-breaking.

「習い事は何ですか？」「バイオリンを習っています。」

習い事に行かせる

— To send someone (usually a child) to lessons.

塾より先に習い事に行かせる。

習い事三昧

— Being completely absorbed in or busy with lessons.

夏休みは習い事三昧だった。

習い事の成果

— The results or fruits of one's lessons.

習い事の成果を家族に見せる。

習い事教室

— A school or classroom where lessons are held.

近くの習い事教室を探す。

習い事仲間

— Friends made through a shared lesson.

習い事仲間とランチに行く。

習い事デビュー

— Starting a lesson for the first time.

3歳でプール習い事デビューした。

習い事選び

— The process of choosing a lesson.

習い事選びは慎重に行う。

習い事の掛け持ち

— Doing multiple lessons at the same time.

習い事の掛け持ちで忙しい毎日。

習い事ブーム

— A trend or boom in a particular type of lesson.

大人の書道が習い事ブームになっている。

Souvent confondu avec

習い事 vs 趣味 (Shumi)

Shumi is broad; Naraigoto requires a teacher.

習い事 vs 塾 (Juku)

Juku is for school subjects/exams; Naraigoto is for skills/arts.

習い事 vs 勉強 (Benkyou)

Benkyou is general study; Naraigoto is a specific extracurricular activity.

Expressions idiomatiques

"習い事貧乏"

— Being poor because you spend too much on lesson fees.

習い事貧乏にならないように気をつけよう。

Informal/Humorous

"芸は身を助ける"

— A skill or accomplishment (naraigoto) can help you in life later.

昔の習い事が役立ち、芸は身を助けると感じた。

Proverbial

"門前の小僧習わぬ経を読み"

— An environment can teach you things without formal lessons (related to 'narau').

習い事をしていなくても、環境で覚えることもある。

Literary

"習うより慣れろ"

— Practice makes perfect; experience is better than just being taught.

習い事も大事だが、習うより慣れろだ。

Proverbial

"三日坊主"

— Someone who gives up easily (often used when quitting naraigoto quickly).

習い事を始めても三日坊主で終わる。

Common

"一生の宝"

— A treasure for life (often said of a skill learned through naraigoto).

子供の頃の習い事は一生の宝だ。

Positive

"月謝泥棒"

— Someone who pays for lessons but doesn't improve or attend (lit. monthly fee thief).

練習しないなら月謝泥棒だよ。

Informal/Strict

"看板を上げる"

— To open one's own school/start teaching a naraigoto.

ついに自分の習い事の看板を上げた。

Idiomatic

"腕を磨く"

— To polish one's skills (the goal of any naraigoto).

習い事で毎日腕を磨いている。

Common

"道を極める"

— To master a path (often used for traditional naraigoto).

茶道の道を極めるために習い事を続ける。

Formal/Serious

Facile à confondre

習い事 vs Okeiko

Both mean lessons.

Okeiko is more traditional/feminine/polite.

茶道のお稽古 (Sado no okeiko).

習い事 vs Lesson

Both mean lessons.

Lesson (ressun) sounds more Western/modern.

ダンスのレッスン (Dansu no ressun).

習い事 vs Training

Both involve practice.

Training (toreeningu) is usually physical or professional.

ジムでトレーニング (Jimu de toreeningu).

習い事 vs Club

Both happen after school.

Club (bukatsu) is school-run; Naraigoto is private.

部活でテニスをする (Bukatsu de tenisu o suru).

習い事 vs Workshop

Both involve learning.

Workshop (waakushoppu) is usually a one-time event.

一日のワークショップ (Ichinichi no waakushoppu).

Structures de phrases

[Activity] は習い事です。

ピアノは習い事です。

子供の時、[Activity] を習っていました。

子供の時、水泳を習っていました。

最近、[Activity] の習い事を始めました。

最近、料理の習い事を始めました。

習い事として [Activity] に通っています。

習い事として書道に通っています。

[Person] に [Activity] を習わせる。

息子にそろばんを習わせる。

習い事のおかげで [Result]。

習い事のおかげで集中力がついた。

習い事を通じた [Abstract Noun]。

習い事を通じた自己実現。

習い事という [Concept] において [Opinion]。

習い事という文化装置において、礼儀が重視される。

Famille de mots

Noms

習い事 (naraigoto)

習い (narai - habit/learning)

学び (manabi - learning)

Verbes

習う (narau - to learn)

習い覚える (naraioboeru - to learn and memorize)

Adjectifs

習いやすい (naraiyasui - easy to learn)

習い慣れた (narainareta - accustomed to learning)

Apparenté

稽古 (keiko)

教室 (kyoushitsu)

月謝 (gessha)

先生 (sensei)

発表会 (happyoukai)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in daily life, especially among parents and hobbyists.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'naraigoto' for self-study. → Shumi or Dokugaku.
Naraigoto requires an instructor.
Saying 'naraigoto o asobu'. → Naraigoto o suru.
You 'do' or 'attend' lessons, you don't 'play' them.
Using 'naraigoto' for university classes. → Jugyou or Kougi.
University is too formal/academic for this term.
Forgetting the 'i' in 習い事. → 習い事.
The 'i' is the okurigana that connects the verb root to the noun.
Calling a math tutor 'naraigoto'. → Juku or Katei-kyoushi.
Strictly academic help is usually categorized differently.

Astuces

Traditional Arts

If you are learning tea ceremony or flower arrangement, use 'okeiko' to sound more culturally aware.

Verb Choice

Use 'kayou' (to attend/commute) to emphasize that the lesson is a regular part of your routine.

Small Talk

Asking about someone's childhood 'naraigoto' is a great way to learn about their background without being too personal.

Katakana usage

For modern skills like coding or yoga, you can use 'ressun' (lesson), but 'naraigoto' remains the best umbrella term.

Saseru

When talking to other parents, use 'saseru' (to make/let do) to discuss what lessons your children are taking.

Distinction

Remember: Naraigoto = Skill/Art + Teacher. Shumi = Anything you like. Juku = School grades.

Writing Tip

The kanji for 'narau' (習) is also in 'renshuu' (練習 - practice). They are closely related!

Gessha

Learn the word 'gessha' (monthly fee) as it is almost always used in the context of naraigoto.

Happyoukai

Most naraigoto have a 'happyoukai' (recital). It's a key word for understanding the goal of these lessons.

Self-Improvement

Using 'naraigoto' for your adult hobbies implies you are taking them seriously and learning from a master.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'NARAI' as 'Not A Random Activity, Indeed.' It's a structured lesson! Or imagine 'NA-RA-I' (Now Really Improving) 'GOTO' (Go To) class.

Association visuelle

Imagine a child carrying a violin case and a swim bag at the same time. That 'baggage' of activities is their 'naraigoto.'

Word Web

Piano Swimming Calligraphy English Cooking Dance Karate Abacus

Défi

Try to list three things you have learned from a teacher in your life. In Japanese, say: 'Watashi no naraigoto wa [Activity] deshita.'

Origine du mot

Derived from the classical Japanese verb 'narau' (習う), which originally meant to become accustomed to something or to follow a pattern. The kanji '習' depicts wings (羽) over white (白), suggesting a young bird flapping its wings repeatedly to learn flight.

Sens originel : The act of repeatedly practicing a skill until it becomes second nature.

Japonic

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to call someone's professional training a 'naraigoto,' as it might sound like you are trivializing their career as a mere 'hobby lesson.'

In English, we usually just say 'lessons' or 'extracurriculars.' We don't have one single word that covers everything from piano to karate as perfectly as 'naraigoto.'

The anime 'Your Lie in April' (Piano naraigoto focus) Yamaha Music Schools (Famous naraigoto provider) Kumon (Often categorized as naraigoto/juku hybrid)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Socializing/Ice-breaking

習い事は何ですか？
何か習い事をしてる？
昔の習い事は？
おすすめの習い事ある？

Parenting

習い事をさせる
月謝が高い
送り迎えが大変
子供がやめたがっている

Self-Improvement

新しい習い事を始める
自分磨き
仕事帰りの習い事
通信教育の習い事

Scheduling

習い事の日
時間は調整できる？
振替レッスン
発表会の準備

Budgeting

習い事代
月謝の支払い
入会金無料
道具を揃える

Amorces de conversation

"子供の頃、どんな習い事をしていましたか？ (What lessons did you do as a child?)"

"最近、大人に人気の習い事って何だと思いますか？ (What do you think are popular lessons for adults lately?)"

"習い事を始めるなら、月謝はいくらぐらいが妥当ですか？ (If you start a lesson, what's a reasonable monthly fee?)"

"習い事の先生との相性は大切だと思いますか？ (Do you think compatibility with the teacher is important?)"

"もし時間とお金が自由なら、どんな習い事をしたいですか？ (If time and money were free, what lesson would you do?)"

Sujets d'écriture

私が今までやってきた習い事について書く。 (Write about the lessons you have done so far.)

習い事が私の性格に与えた影響。 (The influence lessons had on my personality.)

これから挑戦してみたい習い事とその理由。 (A lesson I want to try and why.)

日本の習い事文化についてどう思うか。 (What I think about Japan's naraigoto culture.)

習い事を続けるために大切なこと。 (Important things for continuing a lesson.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'otona no naraigoto' (lessons for adults) is a huge market in Japan, covering everything from cooking to yoga.

Yes, activities like swimming, karate, and ballet are very common naraigoto.

No, university is formal education. Naraigoto is extracurricular.

Yes, the presence of an instructor is what defines a naraigoto vs. a hobby.

You can say 'Naraigoto ga arimasu' or 'Naraigoto ni ikimasu'.

Historically, piano, swimming, and English conversation are the top three for children.

Technically no, but some parents might group them together when talking about their child's busy schedule.

No, that is 'dokugaku' (self-study) or just 'shumi' (hobby).

Monthly fees (gessha) usually range from 5,000 to 15,000 yen depending on the activity.

It is a more polite and slightly more traditional-sounding version of 'naraigoto'.

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