FAQ 1 べんきょうします or べんきょうをします

I will be answering some frequently asked questions.

Question 1.　What is the difference between '日本語（にほんご）を勉強（べんきょう）しています' and '日本語の勉強をしています?"

Both sentences mean "I am studying Japanese," but they differ subtly in focus.

Here is an easy way to think about it:

1. 日本語を勉強しています。

• Focus: The action of studying.
• Grammar: 勉強しています (benkyou shiteimasu) is treated purely as a verb ("to study").
• When to use: Use this for general, big-picture statements. If someone asks, "What are you doing these days?" or "What language are you learning?", this is the most natural, standard response.

2. 日本語の勉強をしています。

• Focus: The activity or task itself.
• Grammar: 勉強 (benkyou) is treated as a noun ("studying/study"), so it literally means "I am doing the study of Japanese."
• When to use: This sounds slightly more specific, like you are actively working on a particular task or project. For example, if you are sitting at your desk surrounded by textbooks right now and someone calls you, this phrase fits perfectly because you are in the middle of that specific activity.

💡 Summary:

For everyday conversation, they are almost entirely interchangeable, and any native speaker will understand you perfectly either way. If you aren't sure which to pick, 「日本語を勉強しています」 is slightly more common and natural for general use!