Translation guide
The English word "scholarship" has two main meanings: (1) academic study and knowledge, and (2) financial aid for education. These meanings are expressed very differently in Japanese.
The serious, advanced study of a subject, or the body of knowledge produced by scholars.
The most common and general word for scholarship as academic learning or study. It refers to the pursuit of knowledge, often in a systematic way.
Money given to a student to help pay for their education, usually based on merit or need.
In Japan, the word 奨学金 (しょうがくきん) is commonly used for both scholarships and student loans. If you want to clarify that it is a grant that does not need to be repaid, use 給付型奨学金 (きゅうふがたしょうがくきん). If it is a loan, it is 貸与型奨学金 (たいよがたしょうがくきん).
彼女は留学のための奨学金を得た。
She won a scholarship to study abroad.
彼の古代史に関する学識は素晴らしい。
His scholarship on ancient history is impressive.
He devoted his life to scholarship.
学問の自由は大切だ。
Academic freedom is important.
Often translated as "research," but can also mean scholarship in the sense of scholarly investigation. It emphasizes the process of studying something in depth.
彼の研究は高く評価されている。
His scholarship is highly regarded.
Refers to scholarly knowledge or erudition. It is more about the depth of knowledge a person possesses.
彼は深い学識を持っている。
He has profound scholarship.
Refers to science, learning, or scholarship in a more formal or academic context. Often used in compound words like 学術論文 (scholarly article).
この学会は学術の発展に貢献している。
This society contributes to the advancement of scholarship.
The standard word for a scholarship as financial aid. It can be merit-based or need-based.
彼女は奨学金をもらって大学に行った。
She went to university on a scholarship.
この大学は多くの奨学金制度がある。
This university has many scholarship programs.
A scholarship that does not need to be repaid (grant-type). Useful when distinguishing from loans.
給付型奨学金は返済不要です。
A grant-type scholarship does not need to be repaid.
A student loan that is called a "scholarship" in Japanese, but must be repaid. Important to know because the word 奨学金 can include loans.
In Japan, 奨学金 often refers to student loans that must be repaid. If you mean a grant, specify 給付型.
日本の奨学金の多くは貸与型です。
Many Japanese scholarships are actually loans.