Translation guide
The concept of 'mastery' in English covers full command of a skill, deep knowledge of a subject, or complete control over something. Japanese expresses these ideas through different words and phrases depending on the nuance.
To express that someone has achieved a very high level of skill in something, often through long practice.
Refers to proficiency or skillfulness gained through experience. Often used in contexts like '熟練した職人' (skilled craftsman).
彼は料理に熟練している。
He has mastery in cooking.
A master or expert in a particular field, especially traditional arts or skills. Implies a high level of mastery.
彼は剣道の達人だ。
He is a master of kendo.
To master or thoroughly learn something; to reach the peak of a skill or knowledge. Often used as '～を極める'.
彼は書道を極めた。
He has mastered calligraphy.
Being well-versed or having expert knowledge in a subject. Often used as '～に精通している'.
彼は日本史に精通している。
He has mastery of Japanese history.
Loanword from English 'master', used in contexts like 'マスターする' (to master). Common in casual or modern settings.
彼はプログラミングをマスターした。
He mastered programming.
To express comprehensive knowledge or command of a subject, often academic or intellectual.
To be well-versed or have expert knowledge. Commonly used with に. More formal than 詳しい.
彼女は経済学に精通している。
She has mastery of economics.
Thorough knowledge; being intimately familiar with something. Often used as '～を熟知している'.
彼はその問題を熟知している。
He has mastery of the issue.
Being well-informed or having thorough knowledge. More formal and literary.
To express control, command, or dominance over a situation, object, or domain.
Conquest or domination, often used in sports or competition. '～を制覇する' means to conquer or achieve mastery over.
彼は世界選手権を制覇した。
He achieved mastery at the world championships.
Control, rule, or dominance. Can be used for mastery over a market, field, or situation.
Grasp, control, or command. Often used for having a firm grip on a situation or organization.
熟練 is about skill proficiency through practice, while 精通 is about deep knowledge of a subject. Use 熟練 for hands-on skills like cooking or carpentry, and 精通 for academic or intellectual mastery like history or economics.
彼は料理に熟練している。
He is skilled in cooking.
彼は歴史に精通している。
He is well-versed in history.
The English word 'mastery' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it as マスタリー or 熟達 in all contexts can sound unnatural. Choose the expression that matches the specific nuance: skill, knowledge, or control.
彼女は長年の練習の末、ピアノを極めた。
She achieved mastery of the piano after years of practice.
彼のその分野への精通ぶりは皆を感心させた。
His mastery of the subject impressed everyone.
He has mastery of the law.
He has mastery over the market.
彼は組織を掌握している。
He has mastery over the organization.