1.
appealing to connoisseurs; appreciated by experts; for those in the know
Describes something that is appreciated or favored by professionals, experts, or connoisseurs rather than by the general public. Often implies subtle quality that requires expertise to appreciate.
この映画は玄人好みだ。
This film appeals to connoisseurs.
玄人好みの味で、一般には受けにくい。
It has a flavor appreciated by connoisseurs, which may not appeal to the general public.
派手さはないが、玄人好みの渋い演技で評価が高い。
It's not flashy, but the understated performance is highly rated among experts.
USAGE:
A compound of 玄人 (expert, professional) + 好み (preference, taste). Describes things that are appreciated by those with deep knowledge or experience in a field, often implying that the appeal is too subtle for casual observers. Can be used as a noun or as a no-adjective.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 玄人好みの味 (a taste for connoisseurs)
- 玄人好みの作品 (a work appreciated by experts)
- 玄人好みの店 (a restaurant/shop favored by connoisseurs)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 通好み: for aficionados — very similar meaning, using 通 instead of 玄人
- 素人受け: popular with amateurs/the general public — the opposite concept