学説

• Reading: がくせつ
• Romaji: gakusetsu
• Kanji breakdown: 学 (gaku) — learning, study, science; 説 (setsu) — theory, explanation
• Pronunciation: /ga.kɯ.se.tsɯ/

Meaning

Theory; academic theory. A systematic set of ideas proposed to explain a phenomenon.

A noun used in academic and intellectual contexts. More formal and scholarly than 理論 (riron, theory), which is broader. 学説 specifically implies a theory proposed within academic or scientific discourse. Common collocations include 学説を唱える (gakusetsu wo tonaeru, to propose a theory) and 有力な学説 (yuuryoku na gakusetsu, a leading theory).

Examples

1. ダーウィンの進化論は革命的な学説だった。 Darwin's theory of evolution was a revolutionary academic theory.
2. この学説はまだ十分に証明されていない。 This theory has not yet been sufficiently proven.
3. 新しい学説が発表されて学会で注目を集めた。 A new theory was announced and attracted attention in academic circles.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, science, research

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 学 (gaku, learning/study) + 説 (setsu, theory/explanation). Literally 'scholarly explanation' — a theory advanced within an academic field.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal