(でんじゅ)

でんじゅ
noun, suru verb
instruction; initiation; passing down knowledge
1. instruction; initiation; passing down knowledge or skills
Teaching or transmitting specialized knowledge, techniques, or secrets from a master or experienced person to a student or successor. Implies personal, often one-on-one transmission of valued expertise.
師匠(ししょう)から(わざ)伝授(でんじゅ)された。
I was taught the technique by my master.
祖母(そぼ)から秘伝(ひでん)味噌(みそ)(つく)(かた)伝授(でんじゅ)してもらった。
My grandmother passed down her secret miso recipe to me.
先輩(せんぱい)がプレゼンのコツ(こつ)伝授(でんじゅ)してくれた。
My senior colleague taught me the tricks of giving presentations.

Implies a personal, almost ceremonial transfer of knowledge from someone with expertise to a learner. More elevated than simple (おし)える (to teach).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (わざ)伝授(でんじゅ)する (to pass down a technique)
  • 秘伝(ひでん)伝授(でんじゅ)する (to transmit a secret tradition)
  • コツを伝授(でんじゅ)する (to teach the tricks/knack)

USAGE NOTE:
Originally associated with martial arts, tea ceremony, and other traditional arts, where masters pass secret knowledge to chosen disciples. In modern usage, it is also used more casually for sharing tips and expertise, though it retains a nuance of valued, personal instruction.