popular learning; worldly study
Refers to knowledge or scholarship that is common, superficial, or concerned with worldly matters rather than deep or spiritual learning. Often used in contrast to more profound or classical studies.
He devoted himself to classical studies without chasing after popular learning.
Compound of 俗 (ぞく, 'common, worldly') and 学 (がく, 'learning'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is used to contrast with more refined or classical scholarship.