PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 博学多才

Reading:

はくがくたさい (hakugaku tasai)

English Translation:

Extensively knowledgeable and multi-talented

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Extensively knowledgeable across fields and gifted with multiple skills; not merely “well‑read,” but able to apply broad learning to practice.
日本語で読む
広い分野に通じ、複数の才能を実践に活かせる人物を指す。単なる「物知り」ではなく応用力も含意。

Cultural Context:

Used in author bios, award citations, and media profiles to frame a Renaissance‑person image; can feel clichéd if overused without concrete achievements.
日本語で読む
著者略歴・受賞講評・人物紹介で「万能型」の印象を与える決まり文句。実績の裏づけがないと紋切り型に響く。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase for broad knowledge and talent; often with “な人物.”
日本語で読む
• 幅広い知識と才能を持つ様子を表し、「〜な人物」と組み合わせることが多い。

Trap for English Speakers

May be misunderstood as expertise in only one field.
日本語で読む
特定分野の専門性だけと誤解されることがある。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 彼は博学多才で、どんな話題にも対応できる。

    He is extensively knowledgeable and multi-talented, able to handle any topic.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 「さすが博学多才の賢者だ…こんな古代文字まで読めるとは！」

    As expected of the extensively knowledgeable sage… to think you can read even these ancient characters!

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「博学多才」 mean?

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