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.
People with high EQ are good at interpersonal relationships.
A more descriptive Japanese phrase meaning 'emotional intelligence quotient.' Used in educational or psychological contexts.
A direct translation of 'emotional intelligence,' used mainly in academic or technical literature.
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.
Describing someone who lacks emotional intelligence or social skills.
The direct way to say someone has low EQ.
Comparing emotional intelligence with intellectual intelligence.
The standard pairing when discussing both types of intelligence.
A balance between EQ and IQ is important.
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.
Emotional intelligence is as important as IQ.
Research on emotional intelligence has been attracting attention in recent years.
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.
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.
People who can read the room can navigate meetings well.
Means 'good at interpersonal relationships,' often implying high EQ.
He got promoted quickly because he's good with people.
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.
He can't read the room, so everyone dislikes him.
Means unable to be considerate, indicating a lack of emotional intelligence.
People who can't be considerate have a hard time making friends.
A more formal, explanatory way to contrast the two, using full Japanese terms.
Emotional intelligence and IQ measure different abilities.
Even with high EQ, reading the air in Japan can be difficult.
We need to develop children's emotional intelligence.
Educational context