博識

• Reading: はくしき
• Romaji: hakushiki
• Kanji breakdown: 博 (haku) — broad, wide-ranging; 識 (shiki) — knowledge, wisdom
• Pronunciation: /ha.kɯ.ɕi.ki/

Meaning

Erudition; encyclopaedic knowledge; the quality of being exceptionally well-read and widely informed across many fields.

A noun and na-adjective (博識な人 — an erudite person) that praises breadth of knowledge. It is a high compliment in intellectual circles, implying not just expertise in one area but wide-ranging familiarity with literature, history, science, and the arts. 博識家 (hakushiki-ka) denotes a person renowned for erudition. Often paired with 博識ぶりを発揮する (to demonstrate one's erudition) or 博識に驚かされる (to be astonished by someone's breadth of knowledge).

Examples

1. 彼は博識で知られ、どんな話題でも必ず深い知識を披露した。 He was known for his erudition and always displayed deep knowledge on any topic.
2. 博識な教授の講義は、専門外のトピックにも驚くほど詳しかった。 The lectures of the erudite professor were remarkably detailed even on topics outside his specialism.
3. 読書量の多さが博識につながるとは限らないが、この作家は両方を兼ね備えていた。 Voluminous reading does not necessarily lead to erudition, but this writer possessed both.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, intellectual circles, literature, education

Tone: admiring

Origin & History

From 博 (broad, wide, extensive) and 識 (knowledge, wisdom). The character 博 appears consistently in words like 博士 (scholar) and 博覧 (wide-ranging views), evoking breadth rather than depth alone.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical to modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated