学ぶ

まなぶ

to learn

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 学ぶ (まなぶ) means "to learn" or "to study," often implying a deeper or more formal process of acquiring knowledge or skills. It is commonly used in academic or serious learning contexts, such as studying at school or learning from life experiences.

Common Collocations and Patterns

  • 学ぶこと (まなぶこと): the act of learning
  • 学ぶべき (まなぶべき): should learn, ought to learn
  • 〜から学ぶ: to learn from (something)

Nuances and Register

学ぶ is more formal and literary compared to the more casual 勉強する (べんきょうする). It often suggests a thoughtful or comprehensive learning process rather than just memorizing facts.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 学ぶ with 習う (ならう), which also means "to learn." 習う usually refers to learning from a teacher or through practice, while 学ぶ can be broader, including self-study or learning from experiences.

Use 学ぶ when emphasizing the process or depth of learning, especially in formal or academic contexts.

Example Sentences

だいがくでにほんのれきしをまなぶ。

I learn Japanese history at university.

しっぱいからおおくのことをまなぶべきだ。

You should learn many things from failure.

こどもはあそびながらしゃかいせいをまなぶ。

Children learn social skills while playing.