学問

• Reading: がくもん
• Romaji: gakumon
• Kanji breakdown: 学 (gaku) — learning, study; 問 (mon) — question, inquiry
• Pronunciation: /ɡa.kɯ.moɴ/

Meaning

Study; scholarship; learning. Refers to academic study or the pursuit of knowledge.

A noun that can also function as a suru verb (学問する). Unlike 勉強 which focuses on the everyday act of studying, 学問 carries a more elevated nuance of scholarly inquiry and intellectual pursuit. Often used in formal or philosophical contexts.

Examples

1. 学問に終わりはないと先生が言っていた。 The teacher said there is no end to learning.
2. 彼は若いころから学問に励んできた。 He has devoted himself to scholarship since he was young.
3. 学問の自由は大切な権利です。 Academic freedom is an important right.

Usage Guide

Context: education, academic writing, philosophy

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 学 (learning) and 問 (question, inquiry). The combination suggests learning through questioning — a fundamental principle of academic pursuit.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal