雑学(ざつがく)

ざつがく
noun
trivia, miscellaneous knowledge
education
1. trivia, miscellaneous knowledge
A broad collection of knowledge on various random topics, not specialized in any particular field. Often valued in Japanese quiz culture and casual conversation.
雑学(ざつがく)に詳(くわ)しい。
He's well-versed in trivia.
テレビの雑学(ざつがく)クイズが好(す)きだ。
I like trivia quizzes on TV.
彼(かれ)は雑学(ざつがく)の知識(ちしき)が豊富(ほうふ)で、話(はなし)をしていて飽(あ)きない。
He has such a wealth of trivial knowledge that you never get bored talking to him.

Usage: 雑学(ざつがく) refers to knowledge on a wide range of miscellaneous topics rather than deep expertise in one area. It carries a positive nuance — someone with lots of 雑学(ざつがく) is considered interesting and well-rounded.

Common collocations

The word is a compound of 雑(ざつ) (miscellaneous) and 学(がく) (learning). Not to be confused with 雑(ざつ) used alone, which has a negative connotation of being sloppy.

Related Words

Compare: 豆知識(まめちしき) (trivia)
general
Added 2026.3.5 14:32 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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