noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective
Describes knowledge, learning, or understanding that is only on the surface, lacking depth. Often used in expressions like かいなでの知識 (superficial knowledge).
彼の歴史の知識はかいなでに過ぎない。
His knowledge of history is merely superficial.
かいなでの理解では、この問題は解けない。
With a shallow understanding, you can't solve this problem.
あさい is a general adjective for physical shallowness or superficiality, while かいなで is more literary and specifically refers to superficial knowledge or learning.
ひょうめんてき means 'surface-level' or 'superficial' in a broader sense, including appearances and attitudes, whereas かいなで is limited to intellectual shallowness.
Compound of 掻い (kai, prefix adding emphasis or lightness) and 撫で (nade, 'stroking' or 'smoothing over'), literally 'lightly stroking over'. The figurative sense of superficiality comes from the idea of barely touching the surface.