PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 免許皆伝

めんきょかいでん (menkyo kaiden)

English Translation:

Full mastery; master’s license

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Being taught every secret of an art by one’s master; full mastery.
日本語で読む
師匠が弟子に、その道の奥義をすべて伝えること。

Cultural Context:

From traditional martial arts and arts such as tea ceremony, where the highest license proved a student had learned everything. Today it may also be used jokingly for mastering a hobby or skill.
日本語で読む
武術や茶道などの伝統芸道で、弟子が奥義をすべて修めたことを示す最高位の免状に由来する。現在は、趣味や技術を極めたことを冗談めかして表すのに使うこともある。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase for full mastery; often with “を受ける” or “の腕前.”
日本語で読む
• 奥義をすべて受け継ぐことを表し、「〜を受ける」「〜の腕前」と組み合わせることが多い。

Trap for English Speakers

免許 here is not a driver’s license; it means permission granted by a master.
日本語で読む
ここでの「免許」は運転免許ではなく、師匠から与えられる許し。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 母から、ついに料理の免許皆伝をもらった。

    My mother finally declared that I had fully mastered her cooking.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 十年の修行の末、若者は師から忍術の免許皆伝を許された。

    After ten years of training, the young man was granted full mastery of ninjutsu by his master.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「免許皆伝」 mean?

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