Translation guide
EQ is an abbreviation for 'emotional quotient' or 'emotional intelligence,' referring to the ability to understand and manage emotions. In Japanese, the concept is commonly expressed using the borrowed term EQ (イーキュー) or the phrase 心の知能指数 (emotional intelligence quotient). This guide covers how to talk about EQ in various contexts.
Referring to the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and those of others.
The most direct and common way to refer to emotional intelligence, used in both casual and formal contexts. Often written in Latin script.
EQが高い人は人間関係がうまい。
People with high EQ are good at interpersonal relationships.
A more descriptive Japanese phrase meaning 'emotional intelligence quotient.' Used in educational or psychological contexts.
心の知能指数は、IQと同じくらい重要だ。
Emotional intelligence is as important as IQ.
A direct translation of 'emotional intelligence,' used mainly in academic or technical literature.
感情知能の研究は近年注目を集めている。
Research on emotional intelligence has been attracting attention in recent years.
Describing someone who is good at handling emotions and social interactions.
She has a high EQ. · He is very emotionally intelligent.
The standard way to say someone has high emotional intelligence.
彼女はEQが高いから、どんな人ともすぐ仲良くなれる。
She has a high EQ, so she can quickly become friends with anyone.
Describes someone who is considerate and attentive to others' feelings, a key aspect of high EQ.
田中さんは本当に気遣いができる人だね。
Tanaka-san is really a considerate person.
Literally 'can read the air,' meaning able to sense the mood and act appropriately. A common Japanese expression for social awareness.
空気が読める人は、会議でもうまく立ち回れる。
People who can read the room can navigate meetings well.
Means 'good at interpersonal relationships,' often implying high EQ.
彼は人間関係がうまいから、すぐに昇進した。
He got promoted quickly because he's good with people.
Describing someone who lacks emotional intelligence or social skills.
The direct way to say someone has low EQ.
EQが低いと、職場でトラブルを起こしやすい。
If you have low EQ, you're more likely to cause trouble at work.
Literally 'cannot read the air,' a common way to say someone is socially oblivious. Often abbreviated as KY.
彼は空気が読めないから、みんなに嫌われている。
He can't read the room, so everyone dislikes him.
Means unable to be considerate, indicating a lack of emotional intelligence.
気遣いができない人は、友達を作るのが難しい。
People who can't be considerate have a hard time making friends.
Comparing emotional intelligence with intellectual intelligence.
The standard pairing when discussing both types of intelligence.
EQとIQのバランスが大切だ。
A balance between EQ and IQ is important.
A more formal, explanatory way to contrast the two, using full Japanese terms.
心の知能指数と知能指数は異なる能力を測る。
Emotional intelligence and IQ measure different abilities.
EQ is widely understood in Japan, especially in business and self-help contexts. It is often written in Latin script (EQ) rather than katakana, but pronunciation is イーキュー. When speaking formally, you may use 心の知能指数, but EQ is perfectly acceptable in most situations.
While EQ is a psychological concept, 空気を読む (reading the air) is a cultural skill highly valued in Japan. Having high EQ often correlates with being able to 空気を読む, but they are not identical. 空気を読む specifically refers to sensing the atmosphere and unspoken expectations in a group setting.
EQが高くても、日本の空気を読むのは難しい。
Even with high EQ, reading the air in Japan can be difficult.