Japanese word

教養

Pronunciation

Romajikyōyō

Meaning

  • noungeneral knowledge

Example

私は幅広い教養を身につけたいです。watashi wa haba hiro i kyō yō o mi ni tsu ke ta i de su

I want to gain broad general knowledge.

Illustration for 教養 (general knowledge)

More examples

幅広い教養があると、いろいろな話題について話せます。haba hiro i kyō yō ga a ru to i ro i ro na wa dai ni tsu i te hana se ma su

With broad general knowledge, you can talk about many different topics.

Core concept

Describes the broad knowledge and cultivated understanding that help a person grasp many subjects and social matters.

Common phrases

  • 教養があるkyō yō ga a ru

    have general knowledge

  • 教養を身につけるkyō yō o mi ni tsu ke ru

    acquire general knowledge

  • 教養を深めるkyō yō o fuka me ru

    deepen general knowledge

Similar words

知識chishiki: Information and understanding acquired through study, experience, or observation.
見識kenshiki: Deep understanding of a subject or society that supports sound judgment.
素養soyō: Knowledge and ability developed as a foundation for a field or activity.

Definition in Japanese

学問や経験を通じて身につけた、幅広い知識や物事を理解する力。gaku mon ya kei ken o tsū ji te mi ni tsu ke ta haba hiro i chi shiki ya mono goto o ri kai su ru chikara

Word origin

The compound 教養 (kyōyō) combines 教 (kyō, "teach") with 養 (yō, "nourish"), expressing knowledge and understanding developed through learning.

Usage tips

  • English education often means organized teaching or schooling, while 教養 (kyōyō) can describe the breadth of knowledge and understanding that a person develops through learning.

Other meanings

  • educationnoun
  • culturenoun
  • refinementnoun

Opposites

  • 無教養mukyōyōuneducatedna-adjective

Related words

  • 教養人kyōyōnincultured personnoun
  • 教養的kyōyōtekiculturedna-adjective

Word lists with this word