Translation guide
Describes someone who knows a lot about a subject or in general. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether you mean 'well-informed', 'expert', or 'widely learned'.
To say someone is knowledgeable about a particular subject or area.
The most common and natural way to say someone is knowledgeable about a specific topic. Used with に or について.
彼は日本の歴史に詳しい。
He is knowledgeable about Japanese history.
この分野について詳しい人はいますか？
Is there anyone knowledgeable about this field?
More formal and implies deep expertise or mastery. Often used in professional contexts.
彼は国際法に精通している。
He is knowledgeable in international law.
Literary expression meaning profound knowledge, often in arts or academic fields.
彼女は日本文学に造詣が深い。
She is deeply knowledgeable about Japanese literature.
To describe someone who is knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects, well-read, or erudite.
Describes a person with extensive knowledge across many fields. Often used as a noun or na-adjective.
A more casual term for someone who knows a lot of facts; a 'walking encyclopedia'.
Refers to scholarly knowledge; more academic.
学識のある教授
a knowledgeable professor
To say someone is knowledgeable from practical experience rather than just study.
Means 'rich in experience', implying practical knowledge.
彼はこの業界で経験が豊富だ。
He is very knowledgeable about this industry from experience.
A connoisseur or expert, especially in hobbies, food, or entertainment.
彼はワインに通だ。
He is knowledgeable about wine.
詳しい is the everyday word for being knowledgeable about a topic. 精通している implies deeper, often professional expertise and is more formal. Use 詳しい in most conversations.
The English word 'knowledgeable' does not have a single direct equivalent. Using 知識がある (to have knowledge) is grammatically correct but often sounds unnatural compared to 詳しい or 博識 depending on context.
彼は本当に物知りだね。
He's really knowledgeable, isn't he?