Meaning
to study; to learn; to do one's homework
Nuance & Usage
勉強する is a suru-verb (irregular) composed of 勉強 (study) + する (to do). It is the most common word for "to study" in Japanese. A subtle nuance: 勉強 can also be used in business to mean "to discount the price" (値段を勉強する — to lower the price for a customer), which surprises many learners. The word 学ぶ (manabu) is also used for "to learn" and carries a slightly more intellectual/formal connotation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 勉強する when 学ぶ or 習う would sound more natural. 習う (narau) is used when you learn from a teacher in a structured class: ピアノを習っています (I am taking piano lessons). 勉強する is more about self-directed study effort. Also, the object particle を is always used: 日本語を勉強する (not 日本語で勉強する — which means "study using Japanese").
Example Sentences
毎日二時間日本語を勉強しています。
まいにちにじかんにほんごをべんきょうしています。
I study Japanese for two hours every day.
試験の前にたくさん勉強しました。
しけんのまえにたくさんべんきょうしました。
I studied a lot before the exam.
図書館で一緒に勉強しませんか？
としょかんでいっしょにべんきょうしませんか？
Would you like to study together at the library?
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