When you hear 博士 (hakase), think of someone with a very high level of education, like a PhD. It's the top academic degree you can get in a specific subject. Imagine someone who has studied a lot and knows a great deal about their field.
You might hear this word used to refer to a professor at a university or a scientist who has achieved this prestigious degree. It shows a deep understanding and mastery of a subject.
When discussing academic achievements in Japanese, 博士 (hakase) is the term you'll hear for a doctorate or Ph.D. It's a high academic honor, representing the pinnacle of study in a particular field.
You might encounter this word when talking about university professors, researchers, or someone who has completed advanced studies. For example, you could say 田中博士 (Tanaka-hakase) to refer to "Dr. Tanaka."
When talking about someone with a 博士, it implies they have achieved the highest level of academic qualification, much like a PhD in English. This term can refer both to the degree itself and to the person who holds it. It's often used with suffixes like 〜号 (gou) for the degree number, or 〜論文 (ronbun) for the doctoral thesis. You might hear it in contexts like "He is a 博士 of engineering" (彼は工学博士です - Kare wa kougaku hakase desu) or "She earned her 博士 degree last year" (彼女は去年博士号を取得しました - Kanojo wa kyonen hakase-gou o shutoku shimashita).
博士 in 30 Seconds
- 博士 (hakase) means doctorate or Ph.D.
- It's the highest academic degree you can earn.
- Often used when referring to someone with a Ph.D. or as a title.
§ What "博士" means
The Japanese word 博士 (hakase) has a very clear and specific meaning. It refers to a "doctorate" or "Ph.D.", which is the highest academic degree you can earn in any field. Think of it like someone who has dedicated years to deep research and study in a particular subject. It's not about being a medical doctor, though we'll get to that later.
- DEFINITION
- 博士 (hakase): Doctorate; the highest academic degree in any field. It also functions as a title for someone holding such a degree (e.g., Dr. Tanaka).
When someone has a 博士 degree, they are often referred to as "Dr." followed by their name. So, if you meet someone named Dr. Yamada who has a Ph.D. in chemistry, you might hear them referred to as 山田博士 (Yamada hakase). It’s a title of respect that acknowledges their academic achievement.
田中博士は物理学の専門家です。
Translation hint: Dr. Tanaka is a specialist in physics.
§ When to use "博士"
You primarily use 博士 in academic or formal settings. Here are a few common situations:
- Referring to someone with a Ph.D.: This is the most straightforward use. If someone has a doctorate, you can use 博士 as a title after their name.
- Talking about the degree itself: You might talk about earning a 博士号 (hakase-gō), which literally means "doctorate degree."
- In official documents or academic papers: It's common to see 博士 used to denote a person's academic qualifications.
It's important to remember that in everyday conversation, especially if you're not in an academic environment, you might just use a more general respectful title like ～先生 (sensei) for teachers or experts, even if they have a doctorate. However, using 博士 is always correct when you want to specifically acknowledge their doctoral degree.
彼は文学の博士号を持っています。
Translation hint: He has a doctorate in literature.
§ Understanding 博士 (hakase)
The Japanese word 博士 (hakase) means "doctorate" or "Ph.D." It refers to the highest academic degree. It can also be used as an honorific for someone who holds such a degree, similar to how "Dr." is used in English. It's a formal word often seen in academic or professional contexts.
§ Using 博士 as a noun
When 博士 (hakase) is used as a noun, it directly means the academic degree itself. You can talk about "getting a doctorate" or "having a doctorate."
- Japanese word
- 博士 (hakase)
- Meaning
- Doctorate; Ph.D.
彼は博士号を取得しました。
- Translation hint
- He obtained a doctorate.
その大学では多くの博士課程の学生がいます。
- Translation hint
- There are many doctoral students at that university.
§ Using 博士 as an honorific
Similar to "Dr." in English, 博士 (hakase) can be used after a person's name to address or refer to someone who holds a doctorate. This is common in academic settings, research institutions, or when talking about famous scientists or scholars.
田中博士は有名な科学者です。
- Translation hint
- Dr. Tanaka is a famous scientist.
アインシュタイン博士の理論は画期的でした。
- Translation hint
- Dr. Einstein's theory was groundbreaking.
§ Common phrases and compounds with 博士
Here are some common ways 博士 (hakase) appears in phrases and compounds:
- 博士号 (hakase-gō): Doctorate degree. This is the most direct way to say "doctorate degree."
- 博士課程 (hakase-katei): Doctoral course/program. This refers to the academic program for obtaining a doctorate.
- 文学博士 (bungaku-hakase): Doctor of Literature (Ph.D. in Literature).
- 理学博士 (rigaku-hakase): Doctor of Science (Ph.D. in Science).
- 医学博士 (igaku-hakase): Doctor of Medicine (M.D. in Japan, which is often considered a doctorate).
彼女は医学博士の資格を持っています。
- Translation hint
- She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree.
§ Important notes
Keep these points in mind when using 博士 (hakase):
- It is a formal term. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless you are specifically referring to someone's academic title in a respectful manner.
- When used as an honorific, it's generally attached directly to the surname (e.g., 田中博士, Tanaka-hakase) or sometimes to the full name.
- Don't confuse it with just "doctor" in the medical sense, which is usually 医者 (isha) or 医師 (ishi). While an 医師 (ishi) often holds an 医学博士 (igaku-hakase), the terms aren't interchangeable in all contexts.
Let's dive into how to use the Japanese word 博士 (hakase). It means 'doctorate' or 'doctor' (the academic kind, not medical). You'll hear this word quite a bit in formal settings, like at work, in academic discussions, and especially in the news. Understanding its usage will really boost your comprehension in these areas.
The kanji for 博士 are 博 (haku), meaning 'wide' or 'extensive,' and 士 (shi), meaning 'gentleman' or 'scholar.' So, a 博士 is someone with extensive knowledge – a true scholar.
§ At Work and in Research
In professional environments, especially in fields like science, engineering, and academia, you'll often encounter people with a 博士号 (hakase-gō), which means 'doctorate degree.' When you refer to someone who holds this degree, you can use 博士 as a title, similar to 'Dr.' in English.
田中博士は新しい技術を開発しました。
- Hint
- Dr. Tanaka developed a new technology.
It's a respectful way to address or refer to someone highly qualified in their field. You'll hear it in presentations, meetings, and even in casual conversations when discussing someone's credentials.
§ In Academic Settings
Universities are prime locations for hearing 博士. Students pursuing advanced degrees are often referred to as 博士課程の学生 (hakase-katei no gakusei), meaning 'doctoral program students.' Professors who hold doctorates are also frequently addressed with 博士.
彼女は文学の博士号を持っています。
- Hint
- She has a doctorate in literature.
When you're reading academic papers or attending lectures, you'll see and hear 博士 often. It signifies a high level of expertise and academic achievement.
- 大学院で博士課程に進むことを考えています。 (I am thinking of advancing to a doctoral program in graduate school.)
- その研究は博士論文に基づいています。 (That research is based on a doctoral thesis.)
§ In the News and Media
News reports frequently feature experts with doctorates to provide commentary or analysis on various topics. When a scientist, economist, or political analyst is quoted, their title might be preceded by 博士 to establish their credibility.
経済評論家の佐藤博士が市場動向について分析しました。
- Hint
- Economic critic Dr. Sato analyzed market trends.
You'll also see it in articles discussing scientific breakthroughs or medical advancements, where the researchers leading the projects are often identified as 博士.
In Japanese pop culture, particularly in anime and manga, you might also hear "博士" used playfully or respectfully for a character who is an inventor or a highly intelligent individual, even if they don't explicitly hold a university doctorate. Think of characters like "Professor Oak" in Pokémon, who is often referred to as オーキド博士 (Ōkido hakase).
So, there you have it. 博士 is a versatile word that pops up in many formal and semi-formal contexts. Keep an ear out for it, and you'll quickly start recognizing its usage and meaning.
§ Don't confuse 博士 with a medical doctor
Many English speakers, when they see 'Dr.' in front of a name, automatically think of a medical doctor. In Japanese, however, 博士 (hakase) specifically refers to someone who holds a doctorate degree (PhD). It does not mean a medical doctor. The word for a medical doctor in Japanese is 医者 (isha) or 医師 (ishi).
- DEFINITION
- 博士 (hakase): Doctorate; the highest academic degree in any field.
彼は物理学の博士号を持っている。(He has a doctorate in physics.)
彼女は優秀な博士研究員だ。(She is an excellent postdoctoral researcher.)
§ Using 博士 as a general title for any expert
While someone with a doctorate is an expert in their field, 博士 (hakase) isn't used as a general term for 'expert' in the way 'Dr.' might sometimes be informally used in English (e.g., 'Dr. Fix-it' for a mechanic). You should only use 博士 for someone who has genuinely earned a doctoral degree.
If you want to refer to an expert in a general sense, you might use words like 専門家 (senmonka) for 'specialist' or 'expert', or simply address them by their role or achievement.
Example of incorrect usage (if the person doesn't have a PhD):
田中博士は料理の専門家です。(Dr. Tanaka is an expert in cooking.)
Unless Tanaka-san actually has a PhD related to culinary arts, this would be incorrect. Instead, you could say:
田中さんは料理の専門家です。(Mr. Tanaka is an expert in cooking.)
§ Overusing the title
While it's important to show respect, similar to other Japanese honorifics, you don't always need to attach 博士 (hakase) to someone's name in every single sentence. Once you've established that someone is a 博士, it's often more natural to refer to them by their surname with さん (san), especially in informal or ongoing conversations. Use it when first introducing them or when specifically highlighting their academic achievement.
佐藤博士は、その分野の第一人者です。(Dr. Sato is a leading authority in that field.)
After this, you might continue:
佐藤さんは新しい理論を発表しました。(Mr./Ms. Sato announced a new theory.)
How Formal Is It?
"彼女は東京大学で医学の博士号を取得しました。"
"彼は有名な物理学の博士です。"
"うちのお父さん、いつも難しい本読んでるけど、実は博士なんだよ。"
Fun Fact
The word 'hakase' was originally used to refer to highly skilled scholars or experts in various fields in ancient Japan, not strictly to a university degree. It was more about knowledge and mastery.
Pronunciation Guide
- pronouncing the 'ha' like 'huh'
- lengthening the 'ka' or 'se'
Difficulty Rating
short
short
short
short
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Japanese nouns do not change based on number (singular/plural) or gender. So, 博士 can refer to one doctor or multiple doctors.
彼は博士です。(Kare wa hakase desu.) - He is a doctor.
The particle の (no) is used to show possession or to link nouns. When used with 博士, it can show something belongs to a doctor or is related to a doctor.
博士の研究 (hakase no kenkyū) - The doctor's research.
To ask 'who is a doctor?', you can use 誰 (dare - who) followed by は (wa) and 博士 ですか (hakase desu ka).
あの人は博士ですか？ (Ano hito wa hakase desu ka?) - Is that person a doctor?
When referring to someone with a doctorate, you can add 博士 to their name as an honorific, similar to 'Dr.' in English, but it comes after the name.
田中博士 (Tanaka hakase) - Dr. Tanaka.
To state that someone 'has' a doctorate, you can use を持っています (o motte imasu - has/possesses), or more naturally, simply state they 'are' a doctor using です (desu).
彼女は博士です。(Kanojo wa hakase desu.) - She has a doctorate (literally, 'She is a doctor').
Examples by Level
彼は博士の学位を持っています。
He has a doctorate degree.
彼女は文学の博士です。
She is a doctor of literature.
私は将来、博士になりたいです。
I want to become a doctor (Ph.D.) in the future.
その大学には多くの博士がいます。
There are many doctors (Ph.D. holders) at that university.
彼は有名な科学の博士です。
He is a famous doctor of science.
彼女は博士論文を書いています。
She is writing her doctoral dissertation.
私の先生は経済学の博士です。
My teacher is a doctor of economics.
博士号を取るのは難しいです。
Getting a doctorate is difficult.
彼は東京大学で博士号を取りました。
He got his doctorate at Tokyo University.
彼女は数学の博士です。
She is a doctor of mathematics.
私は将来、博士になりたいです。
I want to become a doctor in the future.
博士論文はとても難しいです。
A doctoral dissertation is very difficult.
彼は有名な博士です。
He is a famous doctor.
この大学にはたくさんの博士がいます。
There are many doctors at this university.
彼女は物理学の博士課程にいます。
She is in a doctoral program for physics.
博士の研究は社会に役立ちます。
Doctoral research is useful for society.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
彼は博士です。(Kare wa hakase desu.)
He is a doctor (Ph.D.).
博士論文を書きました。(Hakase ronbun o kakimashita.)
I wrote a doctoral dissertation.
彼女は物理学の博士号を持っています。(Kanojo wa butsurigaku no hakasegō o motteimasu.)
She has a doctorate in physics.
博士課程に進学する。(Hakase katei ni shingaku suru.)
To proceed to a doctoral program.
あの人は有名な博士です。(Ano hito wa yūmei na hakase desu.)
That person is a famous doctor (Ph.D.).
博士の専門は何ですか？(Hakase no senmon wa nan desu ka?)
What is the doctor's (Ph.D.'s) specialty?
彼は大学で博士として教えています。(Kare wa daigaku de hakase toshite oshieteimasu.)
He teaches as a doctor (Ph.D.) at the university.
博士の研究は素晴らしいです。(Hakase no kenkyū wa subarashii desu.)
The doctor's (Ph.D.'s) research is excellent.
将来、博士になりたいです。(Shōrai, hakase ni naritai desu.)
I want to become a doctor (Ph.D.) in the future.
博士レベルの知識が必要です。(Hakase reberu no chishiki ga hitsuyō desu.)
Doctoral-level knowledge is required.
Tips
Meaning of 博士 (hakase)
博士 (hakase) literally means 'doctor' or 'Ph.D.' In English, it refers to someone who has achieved the highest academic degree in their field.
Pronunciation of 博士 (hakase)
The pronunciation is HA-ka-se. Make sure to pronounce each syllable clearly. The 'e' at the end is like the 'e' in 'bed'.
Using 博士 as a title
You can use 博士 (hakase) as a title after a person's name, similar to how 'Dr.' is used in English. For example, 田中博士 (Tanaka Hakase) means 'Dr. Tanaka'.
Distinguishing 博士 from 医者 (isha)
While 博士 (hakase) can be translated as 'doctor,' it's important to remember it refers to an academic doctor. A medical doctor is 医者 (isha).
Common usage of 博士 (hakase)
You often hear 博士 (hakase) in academic settings, referring to professors or researchers with a Ph.D. It's a sign of respect for their expertise.
When not to use 博士 (hakase)
Do not use 博士 (hakase) if someone is a medical doctor. Always use 医者 (isha) for a medical doctor. Using the wrong term can be confusing or rude.
Example: 博士号 (hakase-gō)
The term 博士号 (hakase-gō) specifically refers to a doctorate degree. For example, 博士号を取る (hakase-gō o toru) means 'to get a doctorate degree'.
Example: 博士論文 (hakase-ronbun)
博士論文 (hakase-ronbun) means a doctoral dissertation or thesis. This is the big paper you write to get your doctorate.
Cultural nuance of 博士 (hakase)
In Japan, achieving a 博士 (hakase) degree is highly respected and signifies a deep level of knowledge and dedication to a field of study.
Practice sentences with 博士 (hakase)
Try saying: 彼は経済学の博士です。(Kare wa keizai-gaku no hakase desu.) - 'He is a doctor of economics.' Or, 彼女は生物学の博士号を持っています。(Kanojo wa seibutsu-gaku no hakase-gō o motteimasu.) - 'She has a doctorate in biology.'
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a **HAKASE** (博士) as a wise **HA**ir-covered **KA**rate **SE**nsei who has earned the highest academic degree.
Visual Association
Picture a person wearing a graduation cap, holding a scroll, and surrounded by books, symbolizing the extensive knowledge required for a doctorate. The Japanese character for 博士 (hakase) looks a bit like a person (士) with a large hat (博) on, which can help associate it with an academic.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to identify people in academic or research settings who would be referred to as 博士 (hakase). For instance, when you see a news report about a scientific discovery, consider if the lead researcher would likely hold a doctorate. Then, try to form a simple sentence using the word, like '彼は博士号を持っています' (Kare wa hakase-gō o motte imasu - He has a doctorate).
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 'puk̚-siɪ' (博士)
Original meaning: broadly learned scholar, teacher, expert
Sino-JapaneseCultural Context
<p>In modern Japan, 博士 (hakase) primarily refers to someone who holds a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). It is a highly respected academic title.</p><p>However, it can also be used honorifically for very knowledgeable individuals in a specific field, even if they don't possess a formal degree, similar to how 'doctor' might be used informally in English.</p>
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions博士 (hakase) refers to someone who holds a doctorate degree, like a PhD. 医者 (isha) means 'doctor' in the sense of a medical professional. While a medical doctor might have a doctorate, the words refer to different things: one is an academic title, the other is an occupation.
Yes, absolutely. 博士 (hakase) is gender-neutral. It refers to anyone who has earned the doctorate degree, regardless of their gender.
No, not at all. 博士 (hakase) applies to the highest academic degree in any field, whether it's science, literature, history, law, etc. For example, you can have a 文学博士 (bungaku hakase - Doctor of Literature) or 経済学博士 (keizai-gaku hakase - Doctor of Economics).
You can use 博士 (hakase) as a title after their name, much like 'Dr. [Last Name]' in English. For example, 田中博士 (Tanaka Hakase). It's a respectful way to acknowledge their academic achievement.
While often translated as 'PhD', 博士 (hakase) is the general term for the highest academic degree. This includes degrees like Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Medicine (MD - though 医者 is more common for practicing physicians), Doctor of Laws (LLD), etc.
Yes, but the word 博士 (hakase) itself is the general term. The specific field is often added before it, as mentioned earlier (e.g., 文学博士, 経済学博士). There isn't a direct equivalent to 'associate doctor' or 'senior doctor' using just 博士.
While 博士 (hakase) implies great knowledge, it specifically refers to holding a doctorate degree. If someone is just very knowledgeable but doesn't have the degree, you wouldn't use 博士 to describe them. You might use terms like 知識人 (chishikijin - intellectual) or 博識な人 (hakushiki na hito - a person of wide learning) instead.
The kanji for 博士 (hakase) are: 博 (haku) which means 'wide knowledge, extensive' and 士 (shi) which means 'gentleman, scholar, samurai'. Together, they convey the meaning of someone with extensive knowledge or a learned scholar.
It's common in contexts where academic achievements are relevant, like in universities, research institutions, or when discussing specific experts. In very casual daily conversation, you might not hear it as often unless you're talking about someone's specific profession or title.
Yes, historically, the title 博士 (hakase) was used for scholars and officials, especially in fields like astronomy, medicine, or history, even before the modern academic degree system was established. So you might encounter it when reading about older Japanese history or literature.
Test Yourself 96 questions
Choose the correct hiragana for "sensei".
せんせい (sensei) means teacher.
Which of these means "student"?
がくせい (gakusei) means student.
Select the correct translation for "konnichiwa".
こんにちは (konnichiwa) is a common greeting meaning hello.
"Arigatou" means "goodbye".
Arigatou (ありがとう) means "thank you", not "goodbye". "Goodbye" is Sayounara (さようなら).
The Japanese word for "yes" is "hai".
はい (hai) is the Japanese word for "yes".
"Gomen nasai" means "please".
ごめんなさい (gomen nasai) means "I'm sorry". "Please" is Onegaishimasu (おねがいします).
This is my teacher.
He is a doctor.
I am a student.
Read this aloud:
これは何ですか？
Focus: Na-ni de-su ka?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
あれは私の家です。
Focus: A-re wa wa-ta-shi no i-e de-su.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
どうぞ。
Focus: Do-u-zo.
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence introducing yourself, stating your name and that you are a student. Use hiragana.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
わたしはマイクです。がくせいです。
Write a simple question asking 'What is this?' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
これはなんですか。
Write a sentence saying 'Thank you' in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ありがとうございます。
What is 'これ' (kore) in this passage?
Read this passage:
これはペンです。それはノートです。
What is 'これ' (kore) in this passage?
「これ」 (kore) means 'this'.
「これ」 (kore) means 'this'.
What does '日本人' (nihonjin) mean?
Read this passage:
わたしは日本人です。あなたはアメリカ人です。
What does '日本人' (nihonjin) mean?
「日本人」 (nihonjin) means 'Japanese person'.
「日本人」 (nihonjin) means 'Japanese person'.
What is the meaning of 'おやすみなさい' (oyasuminasai)?
Read this passage:
おはようございます。おやすみなさい。
What is the meaning of 'おやすみなさい' (oyasuminasai)?
「おやすみなさい」 (oyasuminasai) is a common way to say 'Good night' in Japanese.
「おやすみなさい」 (oyasuminasai) is a common way to say 'Good night' in Japanese.
This means 'This is a book.' The basic Japanese sentence structure is 'Topic + は + Noun + です.'
This means 'I am a student.' '私' (watashi) is 'I', '学生' (gakusei) is 'student'.
This means 'What is that (over there)?' 'あれ' (are) is 'that (over there)', '何' (nani) is 'what'.
Listen to the sentence about Tanaka-san.
Listen to the sentence about 'she' studying.
Listen to the sentence about a university.
Read this aloud:
彼は有名な博士です。
Focus: はかせ (hakase)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
将来、博士になりたいです。
Focus: しょうらい (shourai)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
博士論文を書くのは大変です。
Focus: ろんぶん (ronbun)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about someone having a doctorate degree. Use 博士 (hakase).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼は博士号を持っています。
Imagine your friend got a doctorate. Write a simple congratulatory sentence using 博士 (hakase).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
博士号、おめでとう！
Write a sentence asking if someone is a doctor (博士).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
あなたは博士ですか？
田中さんは何の博士号を持っていますか？
Read this passage:
田中さんは大学の先生です。彼は歴史の博士号を持っています。たくさんの学生が彼の授業を受けたいと思っています。
田中さんは何の博士号を持っていますか？
文章に「彼は歴史の博士号を持っています」と書いてあります。
文章に「彼は歴史の博士号を持っています」と書いてあります。
私の友達は将来何になるかもしれませんか？
Read this passage:
私の友達は医者になりたいです。彼女は医科大学で勉強しています。将来、彼女も博士になるかもしれません。
私の友達は将来何になるかもしれませんか？
文章の最後に「将来、彼女も博士になるかもしれません」とあります。
文章の最後に「将来、彼女も博士になるかもしれません」とあります。
この本を書いた人はどのような人ですか？
Read this passage:
この本を書いた人は有名な科学の博士です。彼の研究は世界中で知られています。
この本を書いた人はどのような人ですか？
「有名な科学の博士」は「有名な科学者」という意味です。
「有名な科学の博士」は「有名な科学者」という意味です。
This sentence means 'He is a doctor.' The basic Japanese sentence structure is Subject + Topic Marker (は) + Object/Complement + です.
This sentence means 'I am a student.' The basic Japanese sentence structure is Subject + Topic Marker (は) + Object/Complement + です.
This sentence means 'This is a book.' The basic Japanese sentence structure is Subject + Topic Marker (は) + Object/Complement + です.
This sentence means 'He has a doctorate.' The correct order is subject, particle, object, particle, verb.
This sentence means 'She is a doctor of medicine.' The correct order specifies the field of the doctorate.
This sentence means 'Many researchers have doctorates.' The order follows a common Japanese sentence structure.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は医学の___を持っています。
The sentence indicates the highest degree in medicine, which is a doctorate (博士).
Which of the following is typically required to become a university professor in Japan?
A 博士号 (hakushi-gō), or doctorate degree, is generally required to become a university professor.
If someone is referred to as '山田博士', what does this imply about Mr. Yamada?
Adding '博士' to a name indicates that the person holds a doctorate degree, not necessarily a medical doctor.
In Japan, '博士' can refer to a medical doctor who treats patients.
'医者' (isha) or '医師' (ishi) is the term for a medical doctor. '博士' refers to someone with a doctorate degree.
Earning a '博士' degree usually involves extensive research and writing a dissertation.
A doctorate degree (博士) is the highest academic degree and typically requires significant research and a dissertation.
Someone who has a '博士' degree in literature is often called a '文学博士'.
It is common to specify the field before '博士' (e.g., 文学博士 - doctor of literature) to indicate the area of their doctorate.
She has a doctorate in medicine.
He completed a doctoral program in economics.
Many postdoctoral researchers work at this university.
Read this aloud:
私は博士号を取得するために毎日勉強しています。
Focus: 博士号 (hakasegō)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
彼は有名な博士で、彼の研究は世界中で評価されています。
Focus: 評価 (hyōka)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
将来、私も博士になりたいです。
Focus: 将来 (shōrai)
You said:
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This sentence means 'He has a doctorate in medicine.' The correct order is subject, field, degree, and then the verb.
This sentence means 'She became a doctor of literature at a young age.' The correct order is subject, adverbial phrase, field, degree holder, and then the verb.
This sentence means 'That professor is a famous doctor.' The correct order is demonstrative, noun, topic particle, adjective, degree holder, and then the copula.
彼女は医学の___号を取得するために懸命に勉強しました。
医学の最高学歴は博士号です。
この分野の第一人者である___田中教授が、その研究を指揮しています。
田中教授がその分野の第一人者であり、最高学位を持っていることを示唆しています。
彼は文学の___ですが、現在はIT企業で働いています。
文学の最高学位は博士号です。
そのプロジェクトには、数名の化学___が関わっています。
化学の専門家で最高学位を持つ人を指します。
彼女は若くして宇宙物理学の___の学位を取得しました。
宇宙物理学における最高学位です。
講演者は、著名な考古学の___でした。
考古学の分野で最高位の専門家であることを示します。
Imagine you are applying for a research position in Japan. Write a short paragraph introducing yourself and mentioning your doctoral degree. Focus on how you would express 'I have a doctorate' in a formal context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
私は〇〇大学で博士号を取得いたしました。専門は〇〇学で、特に〇〇に関する研究を行ってきました。この知識と経験を貴社の研究に活かしたいと考えております。
You are writing an email to a Japanese professor you admire. In your email, you want to acknowledge their prestigious academic background. Write a sentence praising their achievements, specifically mentioning their doctoral degree.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
〇〇先生の長年のご研究と、そのご功績に深く感銘を受けております。特に、〇〇に関する博士論文は、私の研究にも大きな影響を与えました。
Translate the following English sentence into Japanese, using '博士': 'Dr. Tanaka is a leading expert in quantum physics.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
田中先生は量子物理学の第一人者の博士です。
この教授のどのような点が広く認められていますか？
Read this passage:
ある有名な大学の教授は、長年の研究の末、ついに画期的な発見をしました。彼の博士論文は、その分野の基礎を築いたものとして広く認められています。多くの学生が彼の指導を仰ぎ、未来の研究者を目指しています。
この教授のどのような点が広く認められていますか？
文章中に「彼の博士論文は、その分野の基礎を築いたものとして広く認められています」と明確に記載されています。
文章中に「彼の博士論文は、その分野の基礎を築いたものとして広く認められています」と明確に記載されています。
この文章から、科学技術の発展に貢献している人々の主な特徴は何ですか？
Read this passage:
科学技術の発展は、多くの博士号を持つ研究者たちの努力によって支えられています。彼らは日々、新たな知識の探求と問題解決に情熱を注いでいます。その成果は、私たちの生活を豊かにし、社会全体の進歩に貢献しています。
この文章から、科学技術の発展に貢献している人々の主な特徴は何ですか？
文章の冒頭で「多くの博士号を持つ研究者たちの努力によって支えられています」と述べられています。
文章の冒頭で「多くの博士号を持つ研究者たちの努力によって支えられています」と述べられています。
A社が特に優遇している人材の条件は何ですか？
Read this passage:
A社は、新しい製品開発のために、専門知識を持つ人材を積極的に採用しています。特に、環境科学の分野で博士号を持つ研究者を優遇しており、彼らの知識と経験が会社の成長に不可欠だと考えています。
A社が特に優遇している人材の条件は何ですか？
文章中に「環境科学の分野で博士号を持つ研究者を優遇しており」と明記されています。
文章中に「環境科学の分野で博士号を持つ研究者を優遇しており」と明記されています。
This sentence means 'He has a doctorate in medicine.' The correct order is subject, modifying phrase, object, verb.
This sentence means 'She became a doctor (holder of a doctorate) at a young age.' The correct order is subject, adverbial phrase, particle 'ni', verb.
This sentence means 'That university professor is a doctor (holder of a doctorate) of history.' The correct order is demonstrative, subject, modifying phrase, predicate.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 彼は医学の___を持っている。
The sentence states '彼は医学の___を持っている。' (He has a ___ in medicine.) '博士' (hakase) refers to a doctorate, which fits the context of an advanced academic degree in medicine. '学士' (gakushi) is a bachelor's degree, '修士' (shūshi) is a master's degree, and '専門' (senmon) means specialty or expertise, none of which perfectly complete the meaning of 'holding' an advanced degree in this context.
Which of the following describes a person who has earned the highest academic degree?
A '博士号取得者' (hakase-gō shutokusha) is a person who has obtained a doctorate, which is the highest academic degree. '学士号取得者' (gakushi-gō shutokusha) is a bachelor's degree holder, '修士号取得者' (shūshi-gō shutokusha) is a master's degree holder, and '専門家' (senmonka) is an expert, not necessarily someone with the highest academic degree.
Select the sentence where '博士' is used correctly.
The sentence 'その教授は経済学の博士です。' (That professor has a doctorate in economics.) correctly uses '博士' to refer to a high academic degree in an academic field. '料理の博士' (doctorate in cooking) or 'サッカーの博士' (doctorate in soccer) are not standard academic degrees. While one can aspire to become a '博士' in a field like '日本語' (Japanese), the phrasing '日本語の博士になりたいです' is a bit informal and less precise than '日本語学の博士' (doctorate in Japanese studies).
「博士」は、通常、大学で取得できる最も低い学位である。
「博士」 (hakase) refers to a doctorate, which is the highest academic degree, not the lowest. The lowest typically being a bachelor's degree (学士).
「博士」の称号を持つ人は、その分野で高度な専門知識を持っていると見なされる。
Indeed, a person holding a '博士' (hakase) degree is considered to possess advanced specialized knowledge in their field, reflecting the rigorous academic achievement required for a doctorate.
「博士」という言葉は、医師や弁護士のような専門職のタイトルとしても使われる。
While doctors (医師) and lawyers (弁護士) are professional titles and often require advanced degrees, the word '博士' specifically refers to the academic doctorate degree. Their professional titles are distinct from '博士'.
Listen for her academic achievement.
Identify the professor's academic title.
What kind of program did he complete?
Read this aloud:
私は将来、文学の博士号を取りたいです。
Focus: はかせごう
You said:
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Read this aloud:
博士論文のテーマは何ですか？
Focus: はかせろんぶん
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Read this aloud:
彼が博士として認められたのは、その画期的な研究のおかげです。
Focus: みとめられた
You said:
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Perfect score!
Summary
博士 is the Japanese word for doctorate, representing the highest academic qualification.
- 博士 (hakase) means doctorate or Ph.D.
- It's the highest academic degree you can earn.
- Often used when referring to someone with a Ph.D. or as a title.
Meaning of 博士 (hakase)
博士 (hakase) literally means 'doctor' or 'Ph.D.' In English, it refers to someone who has achieved the highest academic degree in their field.
Pronunciation of 博士 (hakase)
The pronunciation is HA-ka-se. Make sure to pronounce each syllable clearly. The 'e' at the end is like the 'e' in 'bed'.
Using 博士 as a title
You can use 博士 (hakase) as a title after a person's name, similar to how 'Dr.' is used in English. For example, 田中博士 (Tanaka Hakase) means 'Dr. Tanaka'.
Distinguishing 博士 from 医者 (isha)
While 博士 (hakase) can be translated as 'doctor,' it's important to remember it refers to an academic doctor. A medical doctor is 医者 (isha).
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More academic words
絶対的
B2Absolute; not qualified or diminished in any way; total.
絶対的に
B1In a complete, unconditional, or conclusive manner; absolutely.
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. It refers to generalizing or extracting the essence of something away from specific details.
抽象的に
B1In an abstract or theoretical manner.
学術的な
B1Academic, scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的だ
B1Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia; scholarship; relating to scholarly pursuits.
学力
B1Academic ability; a person's level of knowledge and skill in academic subjects.
