Japanese word

覚える

Pronunciation

Romajioboeru

Meaning

  • verblearn

Example

新しい言葉を覚えます。atara shi i koto ba o obo e ma su

I learn new words.

Illustration for 覚える (learn)

More examples

学校で新しい漢字を覚えます。gak kō de atara shi i kan ji o obo e ma su

I learn a new kanji at school.

旅行で困らないように、簡単な日本語を覚えました。ryo kō de koma ra na i yō ni kan tan na nihon go o obo e ma shi ta

I learned some simple Japanese so I would not have trouble while traveling.

Core concept

It describes knowledge or a skill becoming established in the mind through study or experience.

Common phrases

  • 英語を覚えるei go o obo e ru

    learn English

  • 歌を覚えるuta o obo e ru

    learn a song

  • 住所を覚えるjū sho o obo e ru

    remember an address

Similar words

学ぶmanabu: To gain knowledge or ability by studying or experiencing something.
習うnarau: To gain knowledge or a skill through instruction from another person.

Definition in Japanese

学習や経験によって、知識や技能を身につける。gaku shū ya kei ken ni yo tte chi shiki ya gi nō o mi ni tsu ke ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 覚える (oboeru, "to learn or remember") developed from the classical verb 覚ゆ (oboyu, "to remember or feel").

Usage tips

  • Japanese speakers use 覚える (oboeru) for learning practical things such as rules, songs, routes, and words, not only for studying.

Other meanings

  • rememberverb
  • memorizeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 覚え方oboekataway of rememberingnoun
  • 覚えやすさoboeyasusaease of rememberingnoun

Word lists with this word