How to Say ‘Are studying’ in Japanese
勉強しています
benkyou shi te i masu
[ben-kyoh shee teh ee mahss]
💬 Usage Tip: [勉強しています] means “I am studying / I study (regularly).” The [〜ています] form often implies an ongoing habit.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In professional settings, you might hear [学んでいます] as a slightly more formal “I’m learning.”
Phrase Breakdown
勉強
benkyou
[ben-kyoh]
study; studying
Noun meaning "study." In interviews, it commonly refers to studying a subject/skill (e.g., Japanese, programming). Often used with する → 勉強する.
面接の自己紹介で、日本語を勉強しています。
In my self-introduction at the interview, I say that I am studying Japanese.
し
shi
[shee]
do (verb stem)
The stem of する used to form して (te-form). Here it connects 勉強 + する to make the action "to study."
今は毎日、勉強しています。
Right now, I study every day.
て
te
[teh]
and; (te-form connector)
Te-form connector. In しています, it links the verb to いる to express an ongoing state/action (progressive).
私は日本語を勉強して、毎日復習します。
I study Japanese and review every day.
い
i
[ee]
be (progressive marker)
From いる. In 〜ている it indicates an ongoing action or current state. With polite form: 〜ています.
入社後も日本語を勉強しています。
Even after joining the company, I am studying Japanese.
ます
masu
[mahss]
polite ending (present/future)
Polite present/future ending. Used in formal settings like job interviews to sound respectful: します／しています.
現在、経済を勉強しています。
Currently, I am studying economics.
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