玄人(くろうと)

くろうと
noun
expert; professional; specialist; connoisseur
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.

READING:
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

IDIOM:
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").

OPPOSITE:

  • 素人(しろうと): amateur, layperson

RELATED:

  • 駆(か)け出(だ)し: novice, beginner
general
Added 2026.1.31 11:29
09000/09079_kurouto