学问

• Pinyin: xué wen
• Hanzi breakdown: 学 = to study/learn; 问 = 口 (mouth) inside 门 (gate), to ask or inquire

Meaning

Knowledge; learning; scholarship. Refers to the depth and breadth of a person's accumulated wisdom or expertise.

More than just book knowledge, 学问 implies genuine understanding and wisdom gained through study and experience. Often used to say someone has profound knowledge (学问很深) or that a field contains hidden depth (里面有学问). Has a somewhat classical, appreciative tone.

Examples

1. 他虽然年纪不大，但学问十分深厚。 Although he is young, his knowledge is very deep and extensive.
2. 烹饪里面也有很多学问，不是随便炒炒就好的。 There is a lot to learn about cooking — it's not as simple as just stir-frying anything.
3. 奶奶没上过大学，但做人的学问却比很多人都深。 Grandma never went to university, but her wisdom about how to conduct oneself is deeper than many people's.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, academic

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 他这个人学问很深，值得我们学习。(This person has very deep knowledge — he is worth learning from.)
• 做好一道菜里面也是有学问的。(There is real skill and knowledge involved in cooking a dish well.)

Don't Say

• 把'学问'用于具体的考试成绩 (Don't use 学问 to describe a test score — it refers to genuine depth of knowledge, not marks on a paper)

Origin & History

A compound of 学 (to study/learn) and 问 (to question/enquire). Together they reflect the classical Chinese ideal that true knowledge comes from both study and questioning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal