1.
study, studying
The act of learning or acquiring knowledge through reading, practice, or instruction. One of the most common words in Japanese education.
I have to study for tomorrow.
2.
discount (in business)
In business contexts, 勉強する can mean to give a discount or lower the price.
Let me offer you a better price on that.
Business context: said by the seller, not the customer. The causative form means "allow me to discount it."
勉強 is one of the most essential words for learners. Functions as a noun and suru verb.
Writing
勉 (strive) + 強 (force): originally "forcing oneself to make an effort". The shop sense (a seller making the effort of cutting the price) comes from the same idea.
Common patterns
Usage
In shops and negotiations 勉強する means "to cut the price." Which form you use depends on which side of the counter you are on:
- Customer asking: もう少し勉強してください — "give me a bit better price"
- Seller offering: 勉強させていただきます — "allow me to discount it"
The causative (勉強させて) always belongs to the seller; a customer who uses it is asking for permission to give a discount, which is not what they mean. This sense is idiomatic and only appears in commercial settings — it never means "discount" in a school context.
Related Words
Related:
学習 (learning, study (more formal))
Related:
復習 (review of what was studied)
Related:
予習 (preparation before class)