玄人(くろうと)

くろうと
noun
expert; professional; specialist; connoisseur
occupation
See also: 素人(しろうと) (amateur, novice)
1. expert; professional; specialist
Someone with expert-level skills or deep knowledge in a particular field; a professional as opposed to an amateur.
彼(かれ)は料理(りょうり)の玄人(くろうと)だ。
He's a cooking expert.
玄人(くろうと)好(ごの)みの味(あじ)だ。
It has a flavor that appeals to connoisseurs.
玄人(くろうと)から見(み)ても見事(みごと)な腕前(うでまえ)だ。
Even from an expert's perspective, it's impressive skill.

玄人(くろうと) means an expert or professional.

Pronunciation

This is an irregular reading (ateji). The kanji 玄人(くろうと) literally means "dark person" but is used for the reading くろうと.

Etymology

Possibly from 苦労人(くろうにん) (experienced person) or related to 黒(くろ) (kuro, black/dark) suggesting depth of knowledge.

Common collocations

  • 玄人(くろうと)好(ごの)み: appealing to experts/connoisseurs
  • 玄人(くろうと)筋(すじ): expert circles
  • 玄人(くろうと)はだし: putting professionals to shame

Common expressions

玄人(くろうと)はだし - "barefooting professionals" means someone so skilled that even professionals would be impressed (similar to "giving professionals a run for their money").

Similar words

Related words

Related Words

Antonym: 素人(しろうと) (amateur, novice)
Related: 駆(か)け出(だ)し (novice, beginner)
general
Added 2026.1.31 11:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09079_kurouto