博士(はかせ)

はかせ
noun
doctor (PhD), expert
1. doctor, PhD holder
A person who has received a doctoral degree; an academic title.
彼(かれ)は工学(こうがく)博士(はかせ)の学位(がくい)を持(も)っている。
He has a PhD in engineering.
博士の学位 = doctoral degree
博士(はかせ)課程(かてい)を修了(しゅうりょう)した。
I completed my doctoral program.
2. expert, specialist
A person with extensive knowledge in a particular field; often used colloquially or in nicknames.
うちの子(こ)は恐竜(きょうりゅう)博士(はかせ)と呼(よ)ばれている。
My child is called a dinosaur expert.
Colloquial use for someone very knowledgeable
あの子(こ)は虫(むし)博士(はかせ)だ。
That kid is a bug expert.
Colloquial: ~博士 = expert in ~
何(なん)でも知(し)っているので、みんなから博士(はかせ)と呼(よ)ばれている。
Since he knows everything, everyone calls him 'the professor.'

USAGE: 博士(はかせ) can refer to (1) an academic doctoral degree holder, or (2) colloquially, an expert in something. The reading はくし is also used in formal/academic contexts.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 博士(はかせ)号(ごう) (doctoral degree)
  • 博士(はかせ)課程(かてい) (doctoral program)
  • 博士(はかせ)論文(ろんぶん) (doctoral thesis)
  • 〜博士(はかせ) (Dr. ~, expert in ~)

ACADEMIC DEGREES:

  • 学士(がくし) (bachelor's degree)
  • 修士(しゅうし) (master's degree)
  • 博士(はかせ)/博士(はくし) (doctorate)

NOTE: In formal academic contexts, 博士(はくし) (on-reading) is preferred. 博士(はかせ) (kun-reading) is more colloquial and used in titles like 「〜博士(はかせ)」.

general
Added 2026.1.12 20:22 · Revised 2026.3.1 10:04
03500/03551_hakase