When discussing history or academia in Japanese, you'll frequently encounter the word 歴史家 (rekishika). It directly translates to 'historian' and refers to someone who specializes in the study and interpretation of historical events and records. This term is broad and can encompass professional academics, independent researchers, or even amateur enthusiasts who extensively engage with historical materials.
It's a straightforward noun used in contexts ranging from formal academic papers to casual conversations about historical figures or periods. Understanding 歴史家 is key to engaging in more nuanced discussions about historical analysis and the individuals who shape our understanding of the past.
§ What is 歴史家 (rekishika)?
The Japanese word for historian is 歴史家 (rekishika). It's a combination of two kanji: 歴史 (rekishi), meaning 'history,' and 家 (ka), meaning 'specialist' or 'expert.' So, literally, it means 'history specialist.'
- DEFINITION
- A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
§ Where you'll hear 歴史家 (rekishika)
You'll often hear 歴史家 (rekishika) in a few common settings. Let's break them down:
- Academic and Educational Contexts: This is probably the most obvious place. In university lectures, history documentaries, or articles, you'll hear people discussing the work of historians.
- News and Media: When historical events are in the news, or when there's an anniversary of something significant, news anchors or reporters will often refer to historians for expert commentary or analysis.
- Conversations about history: If you're talking with friends or colleagues about historical topics, you might use 歴史家 (rekishika) to refer to someone who is an authority on the subject.
§ Examples of 歴史家 (rekishika) in sentences
Let's look at some practical examples to help you understand how to use 歴史家 (rekishika) in real conversations.
彼は有名な歴史家として知られています。
- HINT
- He is known as a famous historian.
歴史家たちはその時代について議論しています。
- HINT
- The historians are discussing that period.
多くの歴史家がこの説を支持しています。
- HINT
- Many historians support this theory.
彼女は中世の日本を専門とする歴史家です。
- HINT
- She is a historian specializing in medieval Japan.
§ Understanding 歴史家: A Core Term
When you're learning Japanese, especially at the B1 level, understanding nuances between similar words is crucial. Let's dive into how to use 歴史家 (rekishika) and differentiate it from other terms you might encounter.
- DEFINITION
- A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
歴史家 specifically refers to a professional who studies history. This isn't just someone who likes history; it's someone whose occupation involves historical research, writing, and analysis.
彼は有名な歴史家です。
He is a famous historian.
歴史家は過去の出来事を研究します。
Historians research past events.
§ Similar Terms and Their Uses
Let's look at other words that might seem similar but have different applications.
歴史学者 (rekishi gakusha)
This term is very close to 歴史家. 学者 (gakusha) means 'scholar' or 'academic'. So, 歴史学者 literally translates to 'history scholar'. While often interchangeable with 歴史家, 歴史学者 can sometimes emphasize a more academic or theoretical approach to history, often implying someone working in a university setting.
彼女は中世史の歴史学者です。
She is a history scholar specializing in medieval history.
歴史好き (rekishi zuki)
This is much more informal. 好き (zuki) means 'liking' or 'fondness for'. So, 歴史好き means 'history lover' or 'history buff'. This person enjoys history as a hobby, but it's not their profession.
私の父はかなりの歴史好きです。
My father is quite a history buff.
研究者 (kenkyūsha)
This is a broader term meaning 'researcher'. While a 歴史家 is a type of 研究者, not all 研究者 are historians. You would use 研究者 if you want to emphasize the research aspect without specifying the field.
彼は大学で研究者として働いています。
He works as a researcher at the university.
§ When to Use 歴史家
Use 歴史家 when you are specifically referring to someone whose profession is studying, interpreting, and writing about history. This includes:
Professors of history at universities.
Authors who publish historical non-fiction.
Curators at museums specializing in historical artifacts.
Anyone whose main work involves serious historical inquiry.
In summary, while there are related terms, 歴史家 is your go-to word for a professional historian. Keep practicing these distinctions, and you'll sound more natural in your Japanese conversations!
Niveau de difficulté
Two common kanji followed by a common suffix. The kanji themselves might be new but are frequently encountered.
Requires knowledge of two kanji (歴史) and the katakana for '家' (ka) when written out, or the hiragana for 'か' if writing 'れきしか'. The kanji are common.
Pronunciation is straightforward with common Japanese sounds.
Clear pronunciation and standard pitch accent.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
その歴史家は日本の古代史を専門としています。
That historian specializes in ancient Japanese history.
多くの歴史家がその出来事について異なる見解を持っています。
Many historians have different views on that event.
歴史家は古い文書を分析して真実を探します。
Historians analyze old documents to find the truth.
有名な歴史家がこの大学で講義を行います。
A famous historian will give a lecture at this university.
彼女は情熱的な歴史家で、特に中世のヨーロッパに関心があります。
She is a passionate historian, especially interested in medieval Europe.
その歴史家は新しい歴史的発見を公表しました。
The historian published a new historical discovery.
優れた歴史家は、過去の出来事を客観的に評価することが重要です。
It is important for an excellent historian to objectively evaluate past events.
歴史家たちは、その古代文明の謎を解き明かそうと努力しています。
Historians are trying to unravel the mysteries of that ancient civilization.
その歴史家は古代文明の専門家として国際的に評価されている。
That historian is internationally recognized as an expert in ancient civilizations.
「として」indicates 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.
多くの歴史家は、その出来事の原因について異なる見解を持っている。
Many historians have different views regarding the cause of that incident.
「について」means 'about' or 'concerning'.
若き歴史家は、新しい資料を発見し、従来の学説を覆した。
The young historian discovered new materials and overturned conventional theories.
「を覆す」means 'to overturn' or 'to reverse'.
彼は著名な歴史家でありながら、一般向けの著作も多く執筆している。
Despite being a prominent historian, he also writes many books for the general public.
「でありながら」means 'despite being' or 'while being'.
歴史家たちは、その時代の政治的背景を深く掘り下げて研究した。
Historians deeply researched the political background of that era.
「を掘り下げる」means 'to dig deep into' or 'to delve into'.
彼女は女性初のノーベル賞受賞者について研究する歴史家だ。
She is a historian who researches the first female Nobel laureate.
「について研究する」means 'to research about'.
その歴史家は、一次資料の重要性を常に強調している。
That historian always emphasizes the importance of primary sources.
「を強調する」means 'to emphasize'.
歴史家が過去の出来事をどのように解釈するかは、その視点によって大きく異なる。
How historians interpret past events largely differs depending on their perspective.
「によって異なる」means 'to differ depending on'.
その歴史家は、古代文明の興亡について深く掘り下げた研究を発表した。
That historian published a deeply researched study on the rise and fall of ancient civilizations.
興亡 (kōbō) refers to the rise and fall, often used for nations or civilizations.
彼女は著名な歴史家であり、特に中世ヨーロッパ史の専門家として知られている。
She is a prominent historian, known especially as a specialist in medieval European history.
著名な (chomei na) means prominent or renowned.
歴史家たちは、新たな資料の発見により、既存の学説を見直す必要に迫られている。
Historians are being compelled to re-examine existing theories due to the discovery of new materials.
見直す (minaosu) means to review or re-examine. ～に迫られている (ni semararete iru) means to be compelled to do something.
若い歴史家が、その革新的な解釈で学界に新風を吹き込んだ。
A young historian brought a breath of fresh air to the academic world with their innovative interpretation.
新風を吹き込む (shinpuu o fukikomu) literally means to blow in a new wind, idiomatically meaning to bring fresh air or new ideas.
多くの歴史家が、歴史の教訓を現代社会にどう活かすべきかについて考察している。
Many historians are contemplating how to apply the lessons of history to modern society.
活かす (ikasu) means to make good use of or to leverage. 考察する (kousatsu suru) means to consider or contemplate.
彼はアマチュア歴史家として、地域の民俗伝承を丹念に調査し続けた。
As an amateur historian, he painstakingly continued to research local folklore.
丹念に (tan'nen ni) means painstakingly or carefully.
歴史家が偏見なく事実を記述することの重要性は、いくら強調しても足りない。
The importance of historians describing facts without prejudice cannot be overemphasized.
偏見なく (henken naku) means without prejudice. いくら強調しても足りない (ikura kyouchou shite mo tarinai) is a common idiom meaning it cannot be overemphasized.
著名な歴史家が語る過去の出来事は、聴衆を魅了し、深い洞察を与えた。
The past events recounted by the famous historian captivated the audience and provided deep insights.
語る (kataru) means to tell or recount. 洞察 (bousatsu) means insight.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
彼は有名な歴史家です。
He is a famous historian.
歴史家がその事実を研究しています。
The historian is researching that fact.
多くの歴史家がこの説を支持しています。
Many historians support this theory.
彼女は歴史家として働いています。
She works as a historian.
歴史家は過去を分析します。
Historians analyze the past.
その歴史家は新しい本を出版しました。
That historian published a new book.
歴史家たちはその時代の出来事を記録しました。
The historians recorded the events of that era.
彼らは皆、優秀な歴史家です。
They are all excellent historians.
歴史家は証拠に基づいて結論を出します。
Historians draw conclusions based on evidence.
私は歴史家になるのが夢です。
My dream is to become a historian.
Modèles grammaticaux
Structures de phrases
Noun + は + Noun + です。
彼は歴史家です。
Noun + に + なりたいです。
歴史家になりたいです。
Noun + が + Verb。
歴史家が研究します。
Adjective + Noun + です。
有名な歴史家です。
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'Rekishi-ka' (historian) wearing a 'reiki' (spiritual energy) 'kaftan' (robe), deeply engrossed in 'ka' (ancient) texts.
Association visuelle
Picture an old, wise person surrounded by piles of ancient books, with a magnifying glass, meticulously studying scrolls. This person is a 'rekishika', a historian, dedicated to uncovering the past.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe a historical event you learned about today, and imagine a 'rekishika' explaining it to you. Use 'rekishika' in a simple sentence about someone who enjoys studying history.
Teste-toi 54 questions
Choose the correct hiragana for 歴史家:
The kanji 家 (ka) is pronounced 'ka' in this context, making the reading れきしか (rekishika).
Which of these is most likely a 歴史家?
A 歴史家 (rekishika) is a historian, someone who studies and writes about the past.
What is the English meaning of 歴史家?
歴史家 (rekishika) directly translates to historian.
A 歴史家 (rekishika) studies the future.
A 歴史家 (rekishika) studies the past, not the future.
You can use 歴史家 (rekishika) to talk about someone who writes books about history.
Yes, a historian (歴史家) studies and writes about the past, often in books.
歴史家 (rekishika) is a type of food.
歴史家 (rekishika) is a person (a historian), not a type of food.
Write a short sentence introducing yourself using 'watashi wa' (わたしは) and stating you are a student.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
わたしはがくせいです。
Write a simple sentence introducing someone named 'Tanaka' (たなか) and saying they are a teacher (せんせい).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
たなかさんはせんせいです。
Write a question asking 'What is this?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これはなんですか。
What is 'これ' (kore)?
Read this passage:
これはペンです。わたしのペンです。
What is 'これ' (kore)?
'これ' refers to 'ペン' (pen).
'これ' refers to 'ペン' (pen).
What is Tanaka-san's job?
Read this passage:
たなかさんはかいしゃいんです。やまもとさんもかいしゃいんです。
What is Tanaka-san's job?
The passage states 'たなかさんはかいしゃいんです' (Tanaka-san is a company employee).
The passage states 'たなかさんはかいしゃいんです' (Tanaka-san is a company employee).
What is 'それは' (sore wa)?
Read this passage:
これはほん。それはノート。
What is 'それは' (sore wa)?
The passage states 'それはノート' (That is a notebook).
The passage states 'それはノート' (That is a notebook).
Choose the correct reading for 歴史家:
歴史家 is read as 'rekishika', with 'reki' from 歴史 (history) and 'ka' for 家 (specialist/person).
Which word means 'historian'?
歴史家 (rekishika) specifically refers to a historian.
My father is a historian. (父は___です。)
The sentence indicates that the father's profession is a historian, so 歴史家 is the correct word.
歴史家 (rekishika) is someone who studies the future.
歴史家 (rekishika) studies the past, not the future.
A 歴史家 (rekishika) often writes books about history.
Historians (歴史家) typically study and write about historical events and figures.
The word 歴史家 (rekishika) can be used to describe a chef.
歴史家 (rekishika) means 'historian', not 'chef'.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は有名な___です。特に古代ローマの歴史に詳しいです。
The sentence indicates the person is knowledgeable about ancient Roman history, so 'historian' (歴史家) is the best fit.
Which of the following people would be best described as a 歴史家 (rekishika)?
A historian (歴史家) is defined as someone who studies and writes about the past.
Select the sentence where 歴史家 (rekishika) is used correctly:
Historians focus on analyzing and interpreting past events.
歴史家は、未来を予測するのが主な仕事です。(A historian's main job is to predict the future.)
A historian's main job is to study and interpret the past, not to predict the future.
歴史家は、しばしば古い文書や遺物を研究します。(Historians often study old documents and artifacts.)
Studying old documents and artifacts is a common practice for historians to gather information about the past.
全ての歴史家は、大学で歴史学の博士号を持っていなければなりません。(All historians must have a Ph.D. in history from a university.)
While many historians have advanced degrees, it's not a strict requirement for everyone who studies and writes about history to hold a Ph.D.
The historian studies past events.
She is a famous historian.
Do you want to become a historian?
Read this aloud:
歴史家として、あなたはどのような時代に興味がありますか？
Focus: re-ki-shi-ka to-shi-te, a-na-ta wa do-no yō na ji-dai ni kyō-mi ga a-ri-ma-su ka?
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
彼の本は多くの歴史家によって評価されています。
Focus: ka-re no hon wa ō-ku no re-ki-shi-ka ni yot-te hyō-ka sa-re-te i-ma-su.
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
その歴史家は新しい発見をしました。
Focus: so-no re-ki-shi-ka wa a-ta-ra-shī hak-ken o shi-ma-shi-ta.
Tu as dit :
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The sentence describes what a historian does.
Listen for what historians use to reconstruct history.
The sentence mentions her profession and field of study.
Read this aloud:
歴史家が過去を解釈する方法は、時代によって異なりますか？
Focus: 歴史家 (rekishika)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
その歴史家は、新しい証拠に基づいて古い説を覆しました。
Focus: 覆しました (kutsugaeshimashita)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
歴史家にとって、客観性を保つことは非常に重要です。
Focus: 客観性 (kyakkansei)
Tu as dit :
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This sentence means 'His article written by the historian was highly praised.' The particles 'によって' (by) and '書かれた' (written) correctly modify '記事' (article).
This sentence translates to 'That historian is researching ancient civilizations.' 'その' (that) modifies '歴史家' (historian), and 'を研究している' (is researching) is the verb phrase for '古代文明' (ancient civilizations).
This means 'He gave many lectures at the university as a prominent historian.' 'として' (as) indicates his role, and '多くの講義を行った' (gave many lectures) is the action.
その___は古代文明の崩壊について新しい理論を提唱した。
文脈から、過去の文明について理論を提唱するのは「歴史家」が適切です。 (From the context, a 'historian' is appropriate for proposing theories about ancient civilizations.)
彼女は著名な___として、世界史に関する数々の著書を発表している。
「世界史に関する著書を発表している」という記述から、「歴史家」が最も適切な選択肢です。 (Given the phrase 'published numerous books on world history', 'historian' is the most suitable choice.)
若き___は、忘れ去られた王朝の記録を発見し、学界に衝撃を与えた。
「忘れ去られた王朝の記録を発見した」という文脈から、歴史を研究する「歴史家」が自然です。 (In the context of 'discovering records of a forgotten dynasty', 'historian' who studies history is natural.)
彼の研究は、長年の間、多くの___によって信じられてきた歴史的解釈に疑問を投げかけるものだった。
「歴史的解釈に疑問を投げかける」という文脈から、「歴史家」が適切です。 (In the context of 'questioning historical interpretations', 'historian' is appropriate.)
その博物館のキュレーターは、専門の___であると同時に、優れた考古学者でもある。
博物館のキュレーターで「考古学者でもある」という記述から、過去を研究する「歴史家」が最もふさわしいです。 (Given that the museum curator is also an 'archaeologist', 'historian' who studies the past is most fitting.)
近代史を専門とする___たちは、第一次世界大戦の遠因について議論を重ねた。
「近代史を専門とする」という文脈から、歴史について議論するのは「歴史家」が適切です。 (In the context of 'specializing in modern history', 'historian' is appropriate for discussing history.)
The historian dedicated their life to the study of ancient civilizations.
Many historians discovered new materials to get closer to the truth of the incident.
As a prominent historian, she always advocates for the importance of history education.
Read this aloud:
その歴史家の分析は、私たちの歴史観に大きな影響を与えました。
Focus: 歴史家 (rekishika)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
彼は若くして著名な歴史家の仲間入りを果たしました。
Focus: 著名な (chomei na)
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
現代の歴史家たちは、過去の出来事を多角的に捉えようとしています。
Focus: 多角的に (takakuteki ni)
Tu as dit :
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/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Exemple
その歴史家は日本の戦国時代を専門としている。
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur history
王朝
A2A succession of rulers from the same family.
人物
A2A person, especially one of importance or character.
貴重な
A2Valuable, precious, or priceless.
歴史的
A2Historical, pertaining to history, or historic.
中世の
B1Relating to the Middle Ages (roughly 5th to 15th century).
重要な
A2Of great significance or value.
一方で
A2On the other hand, meanwhile, or while.
〜世紀
A2A suffix indicating a specific century.
将軍
B1A shogun, a military dictator of Japan during feudal times.
皇帝
A2A sovereign ruler of great power and rank.
