Translation and Meaning of: 学者 - gakusha

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japanese culture, you may have come across the word 学者[がくしゃ]. It appears in books, academic discussions, and even in animes, but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word in everyday Japanese, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively. If you want to understand how Japanese people perceive the concept of "erudition," keep reading!

The meaning and origin of 学者

The word 学者[がくしゃ] is composed of two kanji: 学 (gaku), which means "study" or "learning," and 者 (sha), which indicates "person." Together, they form a term that can be translated as "scholar," "academic," or "studious person." Unlike 学生[がくせい] (student), 学者 refers to someone who already possesses advanced knowledge in a specific area, often with recognized contributions.

The use of this word dates back to the Edo period, when the Japanese educational system began to take shape. At that time, 学者 was often associated with Confucian masters or experts in classical literature. Today, the term encompasses researchers, scientists, and intellectuals in general, maintaining a respectful connotation.

How and when to use 学者 in modern Japanese

In contemporary Japan, 学者 is used to refer to professionals who dedicate their lives to research and theoretical deepening. You can hear it in contexts such as universities, scientific publications, and even in reports about important discoveries. For example, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist would be referred to as 物理学者[ぶつりがくしゃ] (scholar in physics).

It is worth noting that 学者 is not an automatic title for anyone with a degree. The word carries a weight of social recognition, suggesting that the individual has made significant contributions to their field of study. Therefore, using it casually may sound exaggerated. In informal situations, the Japanese prefer terms like 先生[せんせい] (teacher) or simply the name of the profession followed by の人[のひと] (person of).

Tips for memorizing and curiosities about 学者

An effective way to solidify this word is to associate it with well-known figures. For example, the philosopher Kitaro Nishida, founder of the Kyoto School, is often referred to as 西田学者[にしだがくしゃ] in academic texts. Another strategy is to create flashcards with the kanji 学 (learning) + 者 (person) to visualize the literal meaning.

An interesting curiosity is that, although 学者 is a respectful term, some young academics avoid using it to describe themselves, considering it too formal. This nuance reflects the modesty valued in Japanese culture. If you visit Suki Nihongo, our online dictionary, you will find real examples of how this word appears in newspapers and literature.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 学士 (Gakushi) - Graduate, someone who holds an academic degree.
• 学問家 (Gakumonka) - Erudite, specialist in a specific field of study.
• 知識人 (Chishikijin) - Cultured person, someone with broad general knowledge.
• 研究者 (Kenkyuusha) - Researcher, a professional who conducts academic and scientific research.
• 学者人 (Gakushanin) - Academic, a term that can refer to someone who is dedicated to study and research.
• 学識者 (Gakushikusha) - Academic specialist, with an emphasis on trained knowledge and critical analysis.
• 学術家 (Gakujutsuka) - The person who works in the academic and scientific field, also focusing on publications and contributions.
• 学究 (Gakkyuu) - Person who investigates and studies intensively a specific subject, usually in an academic environment.
• 学問の人 (Gakumon no Hito) - A study person, more generally, refers to someone who values and dedicates themselves to learning.
• 学問の専門家 (Gakumon no Senmonka) - Specialist in a field of knowledge, has training and experience widely recognized in their area.

学者

Romaji: gakusha
Kana: がくしゃ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: studious

Meaning in English: scholar

Definition: A person passionate about learning.

Example Sentences - (学者) gakusha

See below some example sentences:

学者は知識を追求する人です。

Gakusha wa chishiki o tsuikyū suru hito desu

A scholar is someone who seeks knowledge.

Students are those who seek knowledge.

• 学者 - It means "scholars" or "academics" in Japanese.
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 知識 - means "knowledge" in Japanese.
• を - is a grammatical particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 追求する - It means "to pursue" or "to seek" in Japanese.
• 人 - means "person" in Japanese.
• です - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the end of the sentence and is used to express politeness or formality.