知識を得る
gain knowledge
Literally: knowledge (知識) + [object marker] (を) + gain/acquire (得る)
Use this phrase to describe gaining meaningful information through study, reading, or professional experience.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for acquiring facts, information, or intellectual skills.
- Common in academic, professional, and self-improvement contexts.
- Implies a proactive and intentional effort to learn.
Meaning
It means to acquire new information, facts, or skills through study, experience, or being taught. It is like adding a new book to your mental library.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a book
この本を読んで、たくさんの知識を得ました。
I gained a lot of knowledge by reading this book.
In a job interview
貴社で新しい知識を得たいと考えています。
I hope to gain new knowledge at your company.
Texting a friend about a documentary
昨日の番組で、宇宙の知識を得たよ！
I gained some knowledge about space from yesterday's show!
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on 'Kenshu' (training) and continuous self-improvement. Gaining knowledge is seen as a duty to one's company and society, leading to a high volume of bookstores and educational media.
The 'Eru' Nuance
The verb `得る` (eru) implies you didn't just stumble upon it; you successfully 'captured' it. Use it when you feel proud of learning.
Not for Skills
Avoid using this for physical skills like swimming or dancing. For those, use `身につける` (mi ni tsukeru) which means 'to put on the body'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for acquiring facts, information, or intellectual skills.
- Common in academic, professional, and self-improvement contexts.
- Implies a proactive and intentional effort to learn.
What It Means
Think of your brain as a treasure chest. 知識を得る is the act of putting a new gem inside. It is not just about hearing something. It is about actually possessing that information. It feels more intentional than just learning by accident. When you use this phrase, you are saying you have grown. You now know something you did not know before. It is a very positive and proactive expression.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is quite simple. You start with the noun 知識 (chishiki). Then you add the particle を (o). Finally, you use the verb 得る (eru). In daily conversation, you often use the past tense 得た (eta). For example, you might say 本から知識を得た (I gained knowledge from a book). You can also add adjectives. 新しい知識 (new knowledge) is a very common pairing. It sounds smart but not overly stiff. It is a great way to show you are an active learner.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for educational settings. Use it when talking about school or university. It also works great in a professional environment. Tell your boss you want to gain more industry knowledge. It shows you have a good work ethic. You can also use it for your hobbies. Maybe you watched a documentary about space. Or perhaps you read a blog about cooking. In these moments, 知識を得る fits perfectly. It makes your hobby sound like a noble pursuit.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for trivial things or gossip. If you found out your neighbor bought a new car, that is not 知識. That is just 情報 (information). Using 知識を得る for gossip sounds a bit too dramatic. Also, avoid it for physical muscle memory. If you learned how to ride a bike, do not use this phrase. Use 身につける (internalize) instead. 知識 is mostly for things you store in your head, not your muscles. Don't use it for simple notifications either.
Cultural Background
Japan has a massive culture of lifelong learning. This is often called 生涯学習 (shōgai gakshū). People of all ages take classes for fun. There is a deep respect for those who seek knowledge. The word 知識 itself feels very grounded and respected. Historically, gaining knowledge was seen as a way to serve society. Even today, being called 知識人 (an intellectual) is a high compliment. It implies you have worked hard to fill your treasure chest.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you might say 知る (to know). But 知識を得る sounds more like an achievement. If you want to sound very formal, use 知識を習得する (to master knowledge). Another common one is 知識を深める (to deepen knowledge). This means you already knew something, but now you know it better. You can also say 知識を吸収する (to absorb knowledge). This sounds like you are a sponge soaking up everything around you. Each variation changes the 'vibe' of your learning.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It's safe to use in almost any situation where learning is the focus, but avoid it for mundane daily updates or physical skills.
The 'Eru' Nuance
The verb `得る` (eru) implies you didn't just stumble upon it; you successfully 'captured' it. Use it when you feel proud of learning.
Not for Skills
Avoid using this for physical skills like swimming or dancing. For those, use `身につける` (mi ni tsukeru) which means 'to put on the body'.
The Trivia King
In Japan, 'unnecessary knowledge' is called `豆知識` (mame-chishiki), literally 'bean knowledge'. It's like fun trivia!
Examples
6この本を読んで、たくさんの知識を得ました。
I gained a lot of knowledge by reading this book.
A standard way to express learning from reading.
貴社で新しい知識を得たいと考えています。
I hope to gain new knowledge at your company.
Shows enthusiasm and a growth mindset to an employer.
昨日の番組で、宇宙の知識を得たよ！
I gained some knowledge about space from yesterday's show!
Casual enough for friends when sharing something cool.
また、どうでもいい知識を得てしまった。
I've gone and gained some useless knowledge again.
Used when you learn something funny but totally unnecessary.
経験を通して、生きるための知識を得る。
Through experience, we gain the knowledge needed to live.
A more philosophical and deep use of the phrase.
どうすればもっと専門的な知識を得られますか？
How can I gain more specialized knowledge?
Polite inquiry about advancing one's studies.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle and verb to complete the sentence: 'I want to gain knowledge.'
私は知識___ ___たいです。
The object marker 'を' is used with the verb '得る' (to gain).
Which adjective best fits for 'gaining useful knowledge'?
___知識を得ることは大切です。
'役立つ' (yakudatsu) means useful, which is a common descriptor for knowledge.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Knowledge' Phrases
Just knowing something.
知る (shiru)
Gaining knowledge through effort.
知識を得る (chishiki o eru)
Mastering or acquiring expertise.
知識を習得する (chishiki o shūtoku suru)
Where to use 知識を得る
Library
Reading non-fiction
Office
Attending a seminar
Home
Watching the news
University
Listening to a lecture
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt is slightly polite, but not weird. If you learned something cool, saying いい知識を得た is perfectly fine.
Yes, but usually for the grammar and vocabulary part. For the actual speaking skill, 身につける is better.
手に入れる (te ni ireru) is often used for physical objects. 得る is better for abstract things like knowledge or permission.
Not really. You 勉強する (study) a subject to 知識を得る (gain knowledge). They are different steps in the process.
Yes! It is very common in journals to summarize what you learned that day using 〜の知識を得た.
You can say 無駄な知識 (muda na chishiki) or the cuter 豆知識 (mame-chishiki) for trivia.
No, that sounds too academic. For gossip, just use 話を聞いた (heard a story) or 知った (found out).
知識を吸収する (absorb knowledge) sounds like you are very eager and learning quickly.
Yes, you might see it in reading comprehension questions about education or science.
Wisdom is usually 知恵 (chie). So you would say 知恵を得る for life wisdom.
Not really, but you could say 知識が得られない (cannot gain knowledge) if a book is too difficult.
Related Phrases
知識を深める (deepen knowledge)
知識を身につける (acquire/internalize knowledge)
知識が豊富だ (to have abundant knowledge)
豆知識 (trivia/tidbits of knowledge)
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