Japanese word

身に着ける

Pronunciation

Romajiminitsukeru

Meaning

  • verblearn

Example

本を読んで、新しい知識を身に着けます。hon o yo n de atara shi i chi shiki o mi ni tsu ke ma su

I learn new things by reading books.

Illustration for 身に着ける (learn)

More examples

学校で毎日練習して、英語を身に着けました。gak kō de mai nichi ren shū shi te ei go o mi ni tsu ke ma shi ta

I learned English by practicing every day at school.

Core concept

It describes making knowledge or skills part of oneself through learning and practice.

Common phrases

  • 技術を身に着けるgi jutsu o mi ni tsu ke ru

    acquire a skill

  • 知識を身に着けるchi shiki o mi ni tsu ke ru

    acquire knowledge

  • 外国語を身に着けるgai koku go o mi ni tsu ke ru

    learn a foreign language

Similar words

習得するshūtokusuru: To learn and gain the ability to use a skill or body of knowledge.
学ぶmanabu: To gain knowledge or skills through study, experience, or instruction.
覚えるoboeru: To learn and remember information or a skill.

Definition in Japanese

知識や技術などを学んで自分のものにする。chi shiki ya gi jutsu na do o mana n de ji bun no mo no ni su ru

Word origin

The expression 身に着ける (mi ni tsukeru) combines 身 (mi, "body or self") with 着ける (tsukeru, "put on"), extending from putting something on the body to acquiring knowledge or skills.

Usage tips

  • The pattern 身に着ける (mi ni tsukeru) with を (o) presents the skill or knowledge acquired as the object, rather than the person who acquires it.

Opposites

Word lists with this word