Japanese word

玄人

Pronunciation

Romajikurōto

Meaning

  • nounexpert

Example

彼は料理の玄人です。kare wa ryō ri no kurōto de su

He is an expert in cooking.

Illustration for 玄人 (expert)

More examples

この料理は玄人にも納得できる味です。ko no ryō ri wa kurōto ni mo nat toku de ki ru aji de su

This dish has a flavor that even experts can appreciate.

Core concept

It points to expertise grounded in sustained practice and close knowledge rather than simple enthusiasm for a subject.

Common phrases

  • 玄人向けkurōto mu ke

    for experts

  • 玄人好みkurōto kono mi

    favored by experts

  • 玄人受けするkurōto u ke su ru

    appeal to experts

Similar words

達人tatsujin: A person with exceptional skill developed through long practice in a particular field.
専門家senmonka: A person with specialized knowledge and skill in a particular field.
名人meijin: A person widely recognized for outstanding skill in a field.

Definition in Japanese

特定の道に深い知識と熟練した技能を持つ人。toku tei no michi ni fuka i chi shiki to juku ren shi ta gi nō o mo tsu hito

Word origin

The Japanese noun 玄人 (kurōto) is the written form of native くろうと (kurōto); dictionaries connect くろうと to the older form くろうど (kurōdo), although the full semantic history is not certain.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 玄人受け (kurōto-uke) describes something that wins approval from specialists even when it is not widely popular.

Other meanings

  • connoisseurnoun
  • professionalnoun

Opposites

  • 素人shirōtoamateurnoun

Related words

  • 玄人らしいkurōtorashiiexpert-likei-adjective
  • 玄人らしさkurōtorashisaexpertisenoun

Word lists with this word