Translation guide
This English phrase describes someone who has a lot of knowledge, especially about current events, a specific field, or general matters. Japanese expresses this through adjectives, verbs, and set phrases that emphasize being knowledgeable, widely read, or up-to-date.
Describing a person who has broad general knowledge or is well-read.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'erudition' or 'extensive knowledge'. Often used to describe someone with deep, broad learning.
彼はとても博識だ。
He is very well-informed.
A noun meaning 'knowledgeable person' or 'walking encyclopedia'. Casual and commonly used for someone who knows a lot of facts.
彼女は本当に物知りだね。
She's really well-informed, isn't she?
A phrase meaning 'abundant knowledge'. More formal and often used in written descriptions.
彼は歴史について知識が豊富だ。
He is well-informed about history.
Describing someone who follows the news and knows what's happening in the world.
Literally 'well-versed in information'. Implies being well-informed about current events or a specific field.
彼は政治の情報に通じている。
He is well-informed about politics.
A common, natural way to say someone is knowledgeable about the news.
彼女はいつもニュースに詳しい。
She is always well-informed about the news.
Means 'well-informed about the ways of the world' or current social conditions. Slightly formal.
彼は世情に通じている。
He is well-informed about the world.
Emphasizing knowledge gained from books or extensive reading.
A noun meaning 'avid reader' or 'book lover'. Implies being well-informed through reading.
彼は読書家だから、いろんなことを知っている。
He's a bookworm, so he's well-informed about many things.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'reads a lot', implying being well-informed.
彼女は本をよく読んでいるから、話題が豊富だ。
She reads a lot, so she's well-informed on many topics.
Being well-informed about a specific field, often with access to non-public information.
A verb meaning 'to be well-versed' or 'to have expert knowledge'. Often used for professional or technical fields.
彼はIT業界に精通している。
He is well-informed about the IT industry.
An i-adjective meaning 'knowledgeable' or 'familiar with'. Very common and versatile.
彼女は法律に詳しい。
She is well-informed about law.
A verb meaning 'to be familiar with' or 'to have a good knowledge of'. Slightly formal.
彼は金融に通じている。
He is well-informed about finance.
詳しい is the most common and casual way to say someone is knowledgeable. 精通している implies deeper, often professional expertise. 通じている is similar but slightly more formal and can imply a broader understanding of a field or world.
The English phrase 'be well-informed' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Using a literal translation like よく知らされている is unnatural. Instead, choose an expression based on the type of knowledge and context.