字じ引びき学がく問もん

noun

superficial learning; book learning; knowing many words without deep understanding

Often used critically for someone who knows many words or facts but lacks real understanding or practical wisdom. The term 字引 (dictionary) + 学問 (learning) suggests learning that is like a dictionary: full of entries but shallow.

• 彼かれの知ち識しきは字じ引びき学がく問もんに過すぎない。

  His knowledge is nothing more than superficial book learning.

• 字じ引びき学がく問もんでは実じっ社しゃ会かいで役やくに立たたない。

  Mere book learning won't help you in the real world.