Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a new word: べんきょうする (benkyō suru). It means 'to study'. Imagine you are in school and learning letters. That is 'benkyō suru'. Or maybe you read a picture book to learn about animals. You are 'benkyō suru'! It's something you do to learn new things. You can say, 'I study Japanese.' In Japanese, that is 'Nihongo o benkyō shimasu.' It's a very useful word for school and learning!
Let's talk about べんきょうする (benkyō suru), which means 'to study'. This verb is used when you are actively trying to learn something. For example, if you have a test coming up, you will べんきょうする for it. You might say, 'I need to study tonight.' In Japanese, this would be 'Konban benkyō shimasu.' It's also used when learning a language, like saying 'I study English' (Eigo o benkyō shimasu). Remember, it’s about putting in effort to gain knowledge or skills.
The verb べんきょうする (benkyō suru) is fundamental for discussing learning and academic activities. It translates to 'to study' or 'to learn'. You use it when you are dedicating time to acquire knowledge, whether for a school subject, a language, or a specific skill. For instance, a student might say, 「週末は数学を勉強します。」(Shūmatsu wa sūgaku o benkyō shimasu) - 'I will study math on the weekend.' It implies a focused effort. You can also specify what you are studying, like 「歴史を勉強しています」(Rekishi o benkyō shite imasu) - 'I am studying history.' This verb is essential for describing your educational journey or efforts to improve.
べんきょうする (benkyō suru), meaning 'to study', is a versatile verb used across various contexts, from personal development to formal education. It signifies a dedicated effort to acquire knowledge or skills. Beyond simple studying, it can imply deeper engagement. For example, 「彼は新しい技術を熱心に勉強している。」(Kare wa atarashii gijutsu o nesshin ni benkyō shite iru) - 'He is diligently studying new technology.' The noun form, 勉強 (benkyō), also appears in expressions like 勉強になる (benkyō ni naru), meaning 'to learn something valuable from an experience'. Understanding these nuances allows for more sophisticated expression about learning processes.
In advanced Japanese, べんきょうする (benkyō suru), 'to study', retains its core meaning but can be employed with greater subtlety. It often implies a more rigorous or systematic approach to learning than casual 'learning'. Consider its use in academic discourse: 「この論文は、〇〇理論について深く勉強している。」(Kono ronbun wa, Marumaru riron ni tsuite fukaku benkyō shite iru) - 'This paper deeply studies the XX theory.' Furthermore, the noun form 勉強 (benkyō) can be used ironically or to express a sense of obligation, as in the phrase 勉強させてもらう (benkyō sasete morau), 'to be allowed the opportunity to study/learn', often used humbly when receiving instruction or benefit. Its usage can also subtly differentiate between rote memorization and genuine understanding.
Mastery of べんきょうする (benkyō suru) involves appreciating its etymological roots and its place within the broader spectrum of knowledge acquisition in Japanese culture. While translating directly to 'to study', its historical connection to 'making an effort' (勉) and 'striving' (强) still resonates, particularly in contexts requiring significant intellectual exertion. Advanced usage might involve its juxtaposition with other verbs like 学ぶ (manabu - to learn, often implying deeper insight) or 研究する (kenkyū suru - to research). For instance, one might differentiate between simply 勉強する for an exam versus 研究する a complex phenomenon. The noun form 勉強 can also appear in highly formal or literary contexts, sometimes carrying connotations of diligence that border on self-sacrifice, reflecting a cultural appreciation for hard work and intellectual perseverance.
Word in 30 Seconds
- べんきょうする (benkyō suru) means 'to study'.
- It's a common verb used for academic learning, language acquisition, and skill development.
- Often combined with the object being studied (e.g., 日本語を勉強する).
- Can be modified with adverbs like 一生懸命 (hard) to show effort.
Hey there! Let's dive into the Japanese verb べんきょうする (benkyō suru). It's a super common and useful word that means 'to study' or 'to learn'. Think of it as the action you take when you're trying to get smarter or understand something better. It's not just about reading books, though! You can 'benkyō suru' anything you put your mind to learning, whether it's a new skill, a historical event, or even how to cook a delicious meal.
The word itself is a combination of 勉強 (benkyō), which means 'study', and する (suru), the general verb 'to do'. So, literally, it's 'to do study'. It's one of those fundamental verbs you'll encounter all the time when you're learning Japanese, and it's essential for talking about education, personal growth, and any kind of focused learning endeavor. Mastering this verb will open up a whole world of conversations about your academic pursuits and intellectual curiosity!
The word べんきょうする (benkyō suru) has a fascinating origin that tells us a lot about how the concept of 'study' has evolved. The core part, 勉強 (benkyō), actually comes from a much older Chinese term, 勉强 (miǎnqiǎng). In classical Chinese, 勉 (miǎn) means 'to exert oneself' or 'to make an effort', and 强 (qiǎng) also means 'to force' or 'to strive'. So, the original sense was closer to 'to force oneself to make an effort', implying a difficult or reluctant task.
Over time, especially as it entered Japanese, the nuance shifted. While it still involves effort, the focus moved from 'forcing oneself' to the positive act of 'applying oneself' to learn. This happened particularly around the Meiji Restoration period (late 19th century) when Japan was rapidly modernizing and emphasizing Western-style education. The term 勉強 became the standard word for 'study' in academic contexts. The addition of する (suru), the verb 'to do', makes it the active verb form we use today. It’s a great example of how words can travel and transform, reflecting cultural shifts and the changing importance of concepts like education.
べんきょうする (benkyō suru) is used in a wide variety of situations, from formal academic settings to casual conversations about homework. The most common way to use it is simply to talk about the act of studying. For example, you might say 「試験のために勉強しています」(Shiken no tame ni benkyō shite imasu) - 'I am studying for the exam'. It's very versatile!
You'll often hear it combined with the object of study. For instance, you can say 「日本語を勉強しています」(Nihongo o benkyō shite imasu) - 'I am studying Japanese'. Other common collocations include 宿題をする (shukudai o suru) - 'to do homework', which is a specific type of studying, and 復習する (fukushū suru) - 'to review', which is also a form of studying. In more formal contexts, like university lectures or academic papers, 勉強 is the standard term. In casual chat, people might use it interchangeably with other learning verbs, but べんきょうする remains the go-to for focused, academic, or skill-based learning.
While べんきょうする (benkyō suru) itself is a straightforward verb, the noun form 勉強 (benkyō) appears in some interesting expressions that highlight effort and perhaps a bit of reluctance. These phrases often carry a slightly different flavor than the direct verb.
Here are a few:
- 勉強になる (benkyō ni naru): This literally means 'to become study', but it's used idiomatically to mean 'to learn something valuable' or 'to gain knowledge from an experience'. Example: 「今日は色々なことを教えていただいて、勉強になりました。」(Kyō wa iroiro na koto o oshiete itadaite, benkyō ni narimashita.) - 'Thank you for teaching me many things today; I learned a lot.'
- 勉強不足 (benkyō busoku): This means 'lack of study' or 'insufficient knowledge'. It's often used as an apology or an explanation for a mistake. Example: 「私の勉強不足で、ご迷惑をおかけしました。」(Watashi no benkyō busoku de, gomeiwaku o okake shimashita.) - 'I apologize for the trouble caused by my lack of preparation/knowledge.'
- 勉強家 (benkyōka): This refers to a 'studious person' or a 'hard worker' in terms of learning. Example: 「彼はとても勉強家で、いつも新しいことを学んでいます。」(Kare wa totemo benkyōka de, itsumo atarashii koto o manande imasu.) - 'He is very studious and is always learning new things.'
- 無理からぬ勉強 (muri kara nu benkyō): This phrase implies a study or effort that is 'understandable' or 'justifiable', often due to necessity or strong motivation. It's less common but shows a nuanced understanding of effort.
べんきょうする (benkyō suru) is a Group 2 verb (also known as a 'ru' verb) in Japanese grammar. This means its conjugation follows a predictable pattern. For example, the polite present tense is べんきょうします (benkyō shimasu), and the past tense is べんきょうしました (benkyō shimashita). The negative form is べんきょうしません (benkyō shimasen).
Pronunciation-wise, the word is pronounced roughly as 'ben-kyoh-oh soo-roo'. The 'kyō' has a slightly elongated 'o' sound, and the 'suru' is pronounced like 'sue-roo'. Pay attention to the double 'o' in 'kyō' – it's important for correct pronunciation and meaning. There aren't really plural forms for verbs in Japanese, so べんきょうする remains the same whether one person or many are studying. As for stress, Japanese pronunciation is generally flatter than English, but you might naturally place a slight emphasis on the 'kyō' syllable. Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-suru' share a similar verb ending.
Fun Fact
The character 勉 originally depicted a hand pulling a bowstring, symbolizing effort and exertion. The character 强 originally meant 'strong' or 'force'. Together, they implied a strong, possibly forced, effort.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with 'ben' like 'bend', then 'kyoh' with a slightly longer 'o' sound like in 'go', followed by 'soo-roo' similar to 'sue-roo'.
Similar to UK, the emphasis is on the 'kyoh' syllable, with a clear 'soo-roo' ending. The 'o' in 'kyoh' is elongated.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'kyō' as a short 'kyo'.
- Not elongating the final 'o' sound in 'kyō'.
- Pronouncing 'suru' too quickly or merging it with the previous sound.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read in basic contexts, becomes more nuanced with advanced usage and idioms.
Straightforward in basic sentences, requires careful conjugation and particle use in complex sentences.
Pronunciation is manageable, but conveying nuanced meaning requires practice.
Easier to understand in standard contexts, harder when used with fast speech or complex idioms.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Group 2/ru-verbs)
勉強する -> 勉強します / 勉強した / 勉強しない
Using the particle を (o) as a direct object marker
日本語を勉強する (Nihongo o benkyō suru)
The ～て いる form for ongoing actions
今、勉強している (I am studying now)
Examples by Level
わたしは にほんご を べんきょうします。
I / Japanese / study.
Object marker 'o' (を) marks the thing being studied.
きょう、 maths を べんきょうしますか。
Today / math / study / question particle?
The particle 'ka' (か) at the end makes it a question.
ほん を べんきょうします。
Book / study.
'Hon' means book. You study books!
せんせい が べんきょうします。
Teacher / study.
'Sensei' means teacher. Teachers study too!
あした、 べんきょうします。
Tomorrow / study.
'Ashita' means tomorrow.
わたし は べんきょう が すき です。
I / study / like / am.
'Suki desu' means 'like'.
べんきょう は たいへん です。
Study / is / difficult.
'Taihen' means difficult or tough.
もっと べんきょう します。
More / study.
'Motto' means more.
毎晩、単語を勉強しています。
Every night / vocabulary / studying.
The '-te imasu' form indicates an ongoing action.
来週のテストのために、一生懸命勉強しなければなりません。
Next week's test / for / hard / must study.
'なければなりません (nakereba narimasen)' means 'must do'.
彼は歴史を勉強するのが好きです。
He / history / studying / likes.
Using the verb stem + 'のが好き (no ga suki)' to express liking an action.
新しい言語を勉強するのは楽しいです。
New language / studying / is fun.
Nominalizing the verb phrase with 'no' allows it to be the subject.
もっと勉強すれば、もっと上手になりますよ。
More study / if / more skilled / become.
The '-eba' form indicates a conditional relationship.
大学で経済学を勉強しています。
University / economics / studying.
'Keizaigaku' is economics.
宿題を勉強するのを忘れました。
Homework / study / forgot.
'Wasuremashita' means 'forgot'.
この本を読んで勉強しましょう。
This book / read / let's study.
The '-mashō' form is used for suggestions like 'let's...'
試験に合格するために、毎日３時間は勉強することにしています。
Exam / pass / in order to / every day / 3 hours / decided to study.
'～することにしています (suru koto ni shite imasu)' expresses a decision or habit.
彼は独学でプログラミングを勉強し、素晴らしいアプリを開発しました。
He / self-study / programming / studied / amazing app / developed.
'Dokugaku (独学)' means self-study.
この分野についてもっと勉強すれば、新たな視点が得られるだろう。
This field / about / more study / if / new perspective / gain / will likely.
'～だろう (darō)' expresses probability or likelihood.
子供たちに科学の面白さを勉強させるのは、教育者の重要な役割です。
Children / science / fun / make study / educator's / important role / is.
'～させる (saseru)' is the causative form, meaning 'to make someone do something'.
留学中は、現地の文化や習慣を勉強することも大切です。
While studying abroad / local culture / customs / studying / also important / is.
'～ことも大切です (koto mo taisetsu desu)' emphasizes the importance of doing something.
新しいスキルを勉強するために、オンラインコースを受講しています。
New skill / to study / online course / taking.
'受講する (jukō suru)' means to take a course.
彼のプレゼンテーションは、よく勉強されていることが明らかでした。
His presentation / well studied / was clear.
'～されている (sarete iru)' is the passive form, indicating the presentation has been studied.
昔の歴史について勉強すると、現代社会への理解が深まります。
Old history / about / study / when / modern society / understanding / deepens.
'～と (to)' here indicates a cause-and-effect relationship.
この複雑な問題を解決するためには、関連分野について徹底的に勉強する必要がある。
This complex problem / solve / in order to / related fields / about / thoroughly / need to study.
'徹底的に (tetteiteki ni)' means thoroughly or exhaustively.
彼は、単に知識を詰め込むだけでなく、実践を通して応用することを勉強している。
He / simply knowledge / cramming / not only / through practice / applying / is studying.
Contrasting '詰め込む (tsumekomu - to cram)' with studying through practice.
その作家は、作品の時代考証のために、歴史資料を綿密に勉強したそうだ。
That author / works / historical accuracy / for / historical materials / meticulously / studied / apparently.
'時代考証 (jidai kōshō)' refers to historical accuracy in fiction. '～そうだ (sō da)' indicates hearsay.
異文化理解を深めるためには、表面的な知識だけでなく、その背景にある思想を勉強することが不可欠だ。
Cross-cultural understanding / deepen / in order to / superficial knowledge / not only / background / philosophy / studying / essential / is.
'不可欠だ (fukaketsu da)' means indispensable or essential.
彼は、将来のキャリアのために、関連資格の取得を目指して集中的に勉強している。
His / future career / for / related qualifications / obtaining / aiming for / intensively / studying.
'集中的に (shūchūteki ni)' means intensively or concentrically.
その経験から多くを勉強させてもらったと感じている。
That experience / from / much / allowed to learn / feel.
'～させてもらう (sasete morau)' is a humble expression for receiving a benefit.
現代アートの動向を勉強するには、批評家のレビューを読むのが効果的だ。
Contemporary art / trends / study / to / critics' reviews / read / effective / is.
'動向 (dōkō)' means trend or tendency.
彼は、自分の専門分野だけでなく、幅広い教養を身につけるために勉強を続けている。
He / his / specialized field / not only / broad knowledge / acquire / in order to / study / continuing.
'教養 (kyōyō)' refers to culture, education, and refinement.
その哲学者によれば、真の知恵とは、絶えず自己を省み、新たな視点から世界を勉強し続けることにある。
That philosopher / according to / true wisdom / constantly / self / reflect / new perspectives / from / world / study / continue / lies in.
'自己を省みる (jiko o kaerimiru)' means to reflect upon oneself.
彼の研究は、既存の学説を単に勉強するにとどまらず、その根源的な問題点を鋭く指摘している点で画期的だ。
His research / existing academic theories / simply study / not limited to / its fundamental issues / sharply points out / in the aspect / groundbreaking.
'～にとどまらず (ni todomarazu)' means 'not limited to'.
現代社会における複雑な人間関係を勉強するには、文学作品に描かれる登場人物たちの心理描写が示唆に富む。
Modern society / in / complex human relationships / study / to / literary works / in depicted / characters / psychological portrayals / suggestive / are.
'示唆に富む (shisa ni tomu)' means to be rich in suggestion or implication.
彼は、表面的な流行を追うのではなく、文化の深層を勉強することで、独自の芸術的言語を確立した。
He / superficial trends / chase / not by / culture / deep layers / study / by means of / unique artistic language / established.
'深層 (shinsō)' refers to deep layers or underlying structures.
その歴史家は、一次資料を丹念に勉強し、これまで知られていなかった事実を明らかにすることに生涯を捧げた。
That historian / primary sources / meticulously / studied / until now / not known / facts / revealing / dedicated life.
'丹念に (tannen ni)' means meticulously or carefully.
この問題に対する多角的なアプローチを勉強するために、関連する学術論文を幅広く渉猟した。
This problem / towards / multifaceted approach / study / in order to / related academic papers / widely / searched through.
'渉猟する (shōryō suru)' means to search through widely, especially literature.
彼は、単なる知識の習得を超えて、その学問の本質を勉強しようと試みている。
He / mere knowledge / acquisition / beyond / that field of study / essence / study / try / attempting.
'本質 (honshitsu)' means essence or true nature.
その芸術運動の背景にある社会思想を勉強することは、作品の解釈に不可欠な要素である。
That art movement / background / in / social thought / studying / work's interpretation / essential element / is.
'解釈 (kaishaku)' means interpretation.
その古典文学の解釈は、先行研究を徹底的に勉強した上で、なおかつ独自の視座を提示している点で画期的である。
That classical literature's interpretation / previous research / thoroughly studied / after / still / unique viewpoint / presents / in the aspect / groundbreaking / is.
'視座 (shiza)' means viewpoint or perspective.
彼は、単に言語を勉強するだけでなく、その言語が育まれた文化的土壌まで深く掘り下げて理解しようと努めている。
He / simply language / study / not only / that language / nurtured / cultural soil / even / deeply delve / understand / try / striving.
'文化的土壌 (bunkateki dojō)' refers to the cultural soil or foundation.
この学際的な研究は、異なる分野の知識を統合的に勉強し、未解決の問いに対する新たな光を当てることを目指している。
This interdisciplinary research / different fields / knowledge / integrally / study / unsolved questions / towards / new light / shed / aims.
'学際的 (gakusaiteki)' means interdisciplinary.
彼の弁論は、対象への深い洞察と、それを裏付ける周到な勉強の賜物であり、聴衆を魅了してやまない。
His oratory / subject / deep insight / and / it supports / meticulous study / gift / and / audience / captivates / does not stop.
'賜物 (tamamono)' means gift or fruit (of labor).
その歴史的文書を読み解くためには、当時の社会背景や思想的潮流を深く勉強することが不可欠であり、それがなければ表面的な理解に終始してしまうだろう。
That historical document / decipher / in order to / then / social background / ideological trends / deeply study / indispensable / and / without it / superficial understanding / will end.
'思想的潮流 (shisōteki chōryū)' refers to ideological trends.
芸術における革新とは、既存の様式を勉強し尽くした上で、それを大胆に打破し、新たな表現を創造する試みである。
Art / in / innovation / is / existing styles / studied exhaustively / after / it / boldly break / new expressions / create / attempt / is.
'様式 (yōshiki)' means style or form.
彼は、単なる知識の集積にとどまらず、それを統合し、独自の理論体系を構築するために、学問を勉強し続けている。
He / mere knowledge / accumulation / not limited to / it / integrate / unique theoretical framework / construct / in order to / scholarship / study / continuing.
'理論体系 (riron taikei)' means theoretical system or framework.
その言語の微妙なニュアンスを理解するには、文法や語彙だけでなく、その言語が使用される文化的文脈まで勉強する必要がある。
That language / subtle nuances / understand / to / grammar / vocabulary / not only / that language / used / cultural context / even / study / need.
'文化的文脈 (bunkateki bunmyaku)' refers to cultural context.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"勉強になる"
To learn something valuable; to gain knowledge from an experience.
先輩の話を聞いて、とても勉強になりました。
neutral"勉強不足"
Lack of study; insufficient knowledge or preparation.
私の勉強不足で、質問に答えられませんでした。
neutral"勉強家"
A studious person; someone who studies diligently.
彼は昔から勉強家で、常に知識を深めている。
neutral"無理からぬ勉強"
An effort or study that is understandable or justifiable due to circumstances.
締め切りが近いので、彼の徹夜の勉強も無理からぬことだ。
formal"勉強させてもらう"
To be given the opportunity to learn; a humble way of saying one is learning.
先生から直接指導していただけて、勉強させてもらいました。
formal/polite"勉強が手につかない"
Unable to concentrate on studying, usually due to worry or preoccupation.
心配事で、勉強が手につかない。
casualEasily Confused
Both mean 'to learn' or 'to study'.
学ぶ often implies a deeper, more insightful learning, possibly through experience or self-discovery, while 勉強する is more focused on structured, academic study.
歴史を勉強する (study history for an exam) vs. 人生を学ぶ (learn from life).
Both relate to acquiring knowledge or skills.
習う specifically implies learning from a teacher or instructor, like taking lessons (e.g., learning piano). 勉強する is broader and can be self-study.
先生に英語を習う (learn English from a teacher) vs. 試験のために英語を勉強する (study English for a test).
All involve learning or investigating.
研究する means 'to research' and implies deep, systematic investigation, typically in academic or scientific fields. 勉強する is more general study.
論文のために現象を研究する (research a phenomenon for a thesis) vs. 試験のために教科書を勉強する (study the textbook for an exam).
It's the noun form of the verb.
勉強 is the act or state of studying. 勉強する is the verb 'to study'. You can 'do study' (勉強をする) or 'study' (勉強する).
勉強は大切です (Study is important - noun) vs. 私は勉強します (I study - verb).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 勉強する
私は日本語を勉強しています。
Noun + の + ために + 勉強する
試験のために一生懸命勉強します。
Adverb + 勉強する
熱心に勉強する (study enthusiastically), ゆっくり勉強する (study slowly).
Verb (te-form) + いる
今、勉強しているところです。(I am in the middle of studying right now.)
Verb (nai-form) + ければならない/いけない
宿題を勉強しなければなりません。(I must study my homework.)
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
While 'manabu' and 'narau' involve learning, 'benkyō suru' specifically denotes focused study, especially for exams or academic subjects.
'Benkyō busoku' implies a deficiency in preparation or knowledge that led to a problem, often used as an apology.
For learning something casually, like a recipe from a video, 学ぶ (manabu) or even just understanding might be more natural than the formal 'benkyō suru'.
The verb is する (suru), so the polite form is します (shimasu), not a conjugation of 知る (shiru - to know).
The particle を (o) is typically used to mark the direct object of the verb 勉強する.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a library where every book has 'BEN' written on its spine. Inside each book is a curious character ('KYÖ') studying intensely. This library is your 'place' for remembering べんきょうする.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for べんきょうする when people talk about homework, exams, language classes, or learning a new skill they are seriously pursuing. It's the default verb for focused learning.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, diligence in study (勉強) is highly valued. The phrase 勉強になる reflects a cultural appreciation for gaining wisdom from experiences, big or small.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember the pattern: [Thing you study] + を (o) + 勉強する. Example: 日本語を勉強する (Nihongo o benkyō suru).
Say It Right
Focus on the 'kyō' sound. Make the 'o' slightly longer than a standard 'o', like saying 'kyo-oh' quickly. It distinguishes it from similar sounds.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using 勉強する for very casual learning, like just glancing at a meme. Use more appropriate verbs like 見る (miru - to see) or 学ぶ (manabu) for deeper learning.
Did You Know?
The character 勉 (ben) in 勉強 originally involved a hand pulling a bowstring, symbolizing great effort! So, studying has always been seen as requiring significant exertion.
Study Smart
Combine 勉強する with adverbs like 一生懸命 (isshōkenmei - hard) or 熱心に (nesshin ni - enthusiastically) to show your level of effort. This adds more detail to your sentences.
Beyond the Classroom
Use 勉強する not just for school subjects, but also for learning practical skills like cooking, driving, or even coding, as long as it involves dedicated effort.
Expressing Necessity
To say 'must study', use the pattern: 勉強 + しなければならない (shinakereba naranai) or 勉強 + する必要がある (suru hitsuyō ga aru).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'BEN' (like the name Ben) who is 'KYÖ' (sounds like 'curious') and always studying. Ben is curious and studies a lot!
Visual Association
Picture a student named Ben, looking very curious, surrounded by books and notes, diligently studying.
Word Web
Challenge
Try writing 'べんきょうする' five times, saying it aloud each time, and then write a simple sentence using it.
Word Origin
Chinese (勉强)
Original meaning: To force oneself to make an effort; to strive reluctantly.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'study' is generally positive. However, excessive pressure to study, especially on children, can be a sensitive topic in some cultures. The Japanese term 勉強 itself historically carried a nuance of 'forcing oneself', reflecting the effort involved.
In English-speaking cultures, 'study' is a core concept related to education, personal growth, and professional development. It's often associated with diligence, hard work, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At School / University
- 試験のために勉強する (Shiken no tame ni benkyō suru) - To study for an exam
- 授業を勉強する (Jugyō o benkyō suru) - To study the lesson
- 宿題を勉強する (Shukudai o benkyō suru) - To do homework
Learning a Language
- 日本語を勉強する (Nihongo o benkyō suru) - To study Japanese
- 毎日勉強する (Mainichi benkyō suru) - To study every day
- 文法を勉強する (Bunpō o benkyō suru) - To study grammar
Personal Growth / Hobbies
- 新しいスキルを勉強する (Atarashii sukiru o benkyō suru) - To study a new skill
- 独学で勉強する (Dokugaku de benkyō suru) - To study by oneself
- 趣味を勉強する (Shumi o benkyō suru) - To study a hobby
General Effort / Learning
- 一生懸命勉強する (Isshōkenmei benkyō suru) - To study hard
- 勉強になる (Benkyō ni naru) - To learn something valuable
- 勉強を続ける (Benkyō o tsuzukeru) - To continue studying
Conversation Starters
"What are you studying right now?"
"How do you usually study for exams?"
"What's the most interesting thing you've studied recently?"
"Do you prefer studying alone or with others?"
"What advice do you have for someone who wants to study Japanese?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to study very hard for something. What was it, and how did you feel?
What is one skill you would like to study in the future? Why?
Reflect on a valuable lesson you learned (勉強になった経験). What made it so impactful?
How has your approach to studying changed over the years?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions勉強する typically refers to more structured, academic study, like for exams or in a classroom. 学ぶ often implies a deeper, more insightful learning, possibly through experience or self-discovery, and can be less formal.
Yes, it can, especially if you are putting in dedicated effort. For example, 'I'm studying guitar' (ギターを勉強しています - Gitā o benkyō shite imasu) is perfectly natural.
You can say 「勉強したくないです」(Benkyō shitakunai desu).
It means 'lack of study' or 'insufficient preparation/knowledge'. It's often used as an apology, like 'I apologize for my lack of preparation'.
勉強 (benkyō) is a noun meaning 'study'. When combined with する (suru), it becomes the verb 勉強する, meaning 'to study'.
It's a Group 2 verb. Polite present: 勉強します (benkyō shimasu). Past: 勉強しました (benkyō shimashita). Negative: 勉強しません (benkyō shimasen).
It's an idiom meaning 'to learn something valuable' or 'to gain knowledge from an experience'.
Yes, but for very in-depth academic or scientific research, 研究する (kenkyū suru) might be more precise.
Test Yourself
わたしは ___ を べんきょうします。
The sentence means 'I study ___'. 'Hon' (book) is the most logical thing to study among the options.
What does べんきょうする mean?
べんきょうする is the Japanese verb for 'to study'.
You can use べんきょうする to describe learning to cook a new recipe.
Yes, べんきょうする can be used for learning skills, including cooking, especially if it involves dedicated effort.
Word
Meaning
These are common phrases and their English equivalents related to studying.
The correct order is 'その試験のために勉強します' (Sono shiken no tame ni benkyō shimasu), meaning 'I will study for that exam'.
あした、 ___ べんきょうします。
'Ashita' means tomorrow. You study subjects like Maths.
Which word means 'to study hard' when used with 勉強する?
一生懸命 (isshōkenmei) means 'with all one's might' or 'hard'.
The phrase 勉強になる (benkyō ni naru) means 'to become a student'.
It means 'to learn something valuable' or 'to gain knowledge from an experience'.
Word
Meaning
These are related terms concerning different aspects of studying.
The correct sentence is '彼は新しい分野を熱心に勉強している' (Kare wa atarashii bun'ya o nesshin ni benkyō shite iru), meaning 'He is diligently studying a new field.'
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Summary
Mastering べんきょうする is key to discussing your learning journey and academic efforts in Japanese.
- べんきょうする (benkyō suru) means 'to study'.
- It's a common verb used for academic learning, language acquisition, and skill development.
- Often combined with the object being studied (e.g., 日本語を勉強する).
- Can be modified with adverbs like 一生懸命 (hard) to show effort.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a library where every book has 'BEN' written on its spine. Inside each book is a curious character ('KYÖ') studying intensely. This library is your 'place' for remembering べんきょうする.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for べんきょうする when people talk about homework, exams, language classes, or learning a new skill they are seriously pursuing. It's the default verb for focused learning.
Cultural Insight
In Japan, diligence in study (勉強) is highly valued. The phrase 勉強になる reflects a cultural appreciation for gaining wisdom from experiences, big or small.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember the pattern: [Thing you study] + を (o) + 勉強する. Example: 日本語を勉強する (Nihongo o benkyō suru).
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A1The act of applying a principle, theory, or knowledge to a practical situation or a different context. It is commonly used in education and science to describe moving from basic concepts to complex, real-world problems.
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出席する
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基本
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有益
B2Being useful, beneficial, or profitable. It describes something that brings a positive effect or helps in achieving a goal.
