How to say "know-how" in Japanese

Choosing the right word
  • nounThe most direct equivalent, covering practical expertise, the ropes and the knack, especially in business and workplace contexts; use it for a body of practical knowledge, as when discussing a company's expertise.
    以上いじょうのように、実じつにシンプルな誰だれでも出来できるノウハウで十分じゅうぶんな利益りえきと顧客こきゃくは確保かくほできるのです!↗
    As shown above, it is possible to obtain ample profit and customers with truly simple know-how that anyone can do!
  • 技術情報ぎじゅつじょうほう
    nounReally 'technical information' or 'technical knowledge'; it suits technical documents and discussions, but for practical or business know-how in general it is seldom the word you want.
  • こつJLPT N1approx.
    nounThe knack or trick of doing something well — the secrets picked up through practice or passed on by someone experienced; for a personal skill rather than technical or business expertise. Usually written in kana.
    彼女かのじょは金かねもうけのこつを知しっている。↗
    She knows the art of making money.

Use 「ノウハウ」 for practical or business expertise in general; 技術情報 only when 'know-how' means technical knowledge or information; 「こつ」 for the knack or trick of doing something well.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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