知識
chishiki[t͡ɕiɕi̥kʲi]
The English word 'knowledge' is translated into Japanese as 知識 (chishiki).
知識 refers to the total of what is known or the product of learning, specifically focusing on acquired, factual information. To describe someone who is very well-informed or has a large amount of information, you can use the phrase 知識が豊富だ. In conversational settings, you might instead use the adjective 詳しい to say someone is detailed or thorough regarding a specific topic or the verb わかる to indicate that someone possesses knowledge about a matter.
Meaning: total of what is known, product of learning (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The first kanji in 知識, 知, means 'to know' or 'wisdom'.
Which one should you use?
While 知識 refers to acquired, factual or learned knowledge, the word 知恵 is used to mean 'wisdom' or 'wit'. Additionally, while 知識 is a standard way to express knowledge, the term 学識 is used specifically to emphasize the academic aspect of knowledge.
How do you pronounce it?
chishiki
Did you know?
- The kanji 知 is composed of the radicals for 'arrow' and 'mouth', originally suggesting the act of announcing or making something known.
- In Japanese, calling someone a 知識人 describes an 'intellectual', but the term can sometimes carry a slightly negative nuance of being overly academic or out of touch.
- The phrase 知識が豊富 uses the word 豊富, which is most commonly used to describe a 'plentiful' harvest or abundant natural resources.
Examples in context
- 地理学の知識は下手です。My knowledge of geography is poor.This sentence shows how to describe having poor knowledge of a subject using 知識.Tatoeba #13155631 by say123, translation #13155629 by say123
- 彼女は英語の知識を習得した。She acquired the knowledge of English.This sentence illustrates the use of 知識 when describing the acquisition of information.Tatoeba #91040 by bunbuku, translation #312674 by CK
- あの人には知識も経験もある。He has knowledge, and experience as well.This sentence demonstrates using 知識 to state that someone possesses both knowledge and experience.Tatoeba #230767 by tommy__san, translation #68135 by Lumi_alt
- 私は広範な知識を持っていますI have extensive knowledge.
- 彼は学識が深い人物ですHe is a person with profound knowledge.
- 彼女は歳月を経て知恵を積み重ねましたShe accumulated knowledge over the years.
- それ、僕が知ってるよI know that.
- 彼はスポーツに詳しいHe is knowledgeable about sports.
- 映画については少しはわかるI know a bit about movies.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are talking about a difficult book.
- 結衣 Yuiこの本は専門的な知識が必要ですね。Kono hon wa senmonteki na chishiki ga hitsuyou desu ne.This book requires specialized knowledge, doesn't it?
- 健太 Kentaはい、私には知識が足りません。Hai, watashi ni wa chishiki ga tarimasen.Yes, I don't have enough knowledge.
- 結衣 Yui一緒に勉強して知識を深めましょう。Issho ni benkyou shite chishiki o fukamemashou.Let's study together and deepen our knowledge.
- 健太 Kentaいいですね。頑張りましょう。Ii desu ne. Ganbarimashou.That sounds good. Let's do our best.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 知識, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
