Translation guide
This concept refers to having a broad, deep, or wide-ranging body of knowledge. Japanese expresses this through nouns, adjectives, and descriptive phrases that emphasize breadth, depth, or thoroughness of learning.
To describe someone who knows a lot about many different subjects or has a comprehensive understanding.
A noun or na-adjective meaning wide learning or extensive knowledge. Often used to describe a person's intellectual breadth.
彼は博識で、どんな話題にもついていける。
He has extensive knowledge and can keep up with any topic.
A noun or na-adjective meaning erudition or wide learning. Similar to 博識 but slightly more formal or academic.
彼女は博学で知られている。
She is known for her extensive knowledge.
A common phrase literally meaning 'knowledge is wide.' Natural in conversation.
田中さんは本当に知識が広いね。
Tanaka-san really has extensive knowledge, doesn't he?
A noun phrase meaning 'broad knowledge.' Often used in resumes or formal descriptions.
彼は幅広い知識を持っている。
He possesses extensive knowledge.
To emphasize profound understanding or expertise in a particular field.
A noun/suru-verb meaning being well-versed or having deep knowledge. Often used with に精通している.
彼は日本史に精通している。
He has extensive knowledge of Japanese history.
A noun meaning deep knowledge or profound learning, often in arts or academic fields. Used with が深い or に造詣が深い.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'deep knowledge.' Natural and widely used.
この分野について深い知識が必要だ。
Extensive knowledge in this field is necessary.
To describe knowledge that covers a vast range of topics, like a walking encyclopedia.
A noun meaning a person of wide knowledge, a know-it-all in a positive sense. Often used as 物知りだ.
彼は本当に物知りだ。
He really has extensive knowledge.
Literally 'living dictionary,' used for someone with encyclopedic knowledge. Slightly colloquial.
博識 emphasizes the breadth of knowledge across many fields. 博学 is more academic and implies scholarly learning. 物知り is casual and describes someone who knows a lot of practical or trivia-like facts.
Directly translating 'extensive knowledge' as 広大な知識 is unnatural. Use the phrases and words above instead.
彼女は古典文学に造詣が深い。
She has extensive knowledge of classical literature.
おじいちゃんは生き字引だ。
Grandpa is a walking encyclopedia.