身につく

mi ni tsuku
to become second nature

このスキルは何年も練習すれば身につくでしょう。

This skill will become second nature with years of practice.


informal

To become a natural, habitual, or intrinsic part of someone's abilities or character through practice or experience.

毎日日本語を話せば、そのうち身につくよ。

If you speak Japanese every day, it will become second nature eventually.

運転は何度も練習すれば身につくものだ。

Driving is something you master through repeated practice.

Often used with verbs like 練習する (to practice), 学ぶ (to learn), or 経験する (to experience).

Collocations

身につくまでuntil it becomes second nature身につくようにso that it becomes second nature

Related Phrases

身につけるphrase
to acquire or master (a skill/knowledge)
身にしみるphrase
to sink deeply into one's mind/heart (often emotionally)

Pro Tip

Common Mistake

Don't confuse 身につく with 身につける (to acquire/master). The former describes the result (becoming second nature), while the latter describes the action (learning).

Gold Rule

Usage Context

Use 身につく to describe skills or habits that feel natural over time, not instant achievements. Example: ❌「一晩で身についた」✅「数年で身についた」

Word Origin

身 (body/mind) + に (dative particle) + つく (to attach/stick). Literally means 'to attach to the body/mind,' implying internalization through habit or practice.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in contexts where skills, knowledge, or behaviors are gradually absorbed into one's routine or character. Often paired with verbs indicating effort (e.g., 練習する, 学ぶ).

Word Breakdown

body, oneself, or mind (as a metaphorical container)
root
+
dative particle indicating direction or result
particle
+
つく
to attach, stick, or become attached
verb
和英辞典