世故(せこ)

せこ
noun
worldly wisdom; social savvy
society
1. worldly wisdom; social savvy
knowledge and shrewdness gained through experience in social dealings and worldly affairs
彼(かれ)は世故(せこ)に長(た)けている。
He is well versed in the ways of the world.
世故(せこ)に通(つう)じた人(ひと)は交渉(こうしょう)がうまい。
People who are worldly-wise are good at negotiations.
若(わか)いのに世故(せこ)に長(た)けた彼女(かのじょ)の立(た)ち振(ふ)る舞(ま)いに、周囲(しゅうい)の大人(おとな)たちは感心(かんしん)した。
The adults around her were impressed by her worldly-wise conduct despite her young age.

A literary term for the practical wisdom one gains through social experience and navigating worldly affairs. Often appears in the set phrase 世故(せこ)に長(た)ける (to be experienced in worldly matters). Can carry a slightly negative nuance, suggesting someone is too calculating or shrewd.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 世渡(よわた)り: getting along in the world — more practical, everyday term for navigating life
  • 処世(しょせい): conduct in life — formal term for how one handles life's affairs
  • 老獪(ろうかい): cunning/wily — implies shrewd experience with a negative connotation

Related Words

Compare: 世渡(よわた)り (getting along in the world)
Compare: 処世(しょせい) (conduct in life)
general
Added 2026.4.19 19:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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