Translation guide
How to express that someone is clever, smart, or resourceful in Japanese, depending on context and nuance.
Describing someone who is intellectually sharp, quick-witted, or academically bright.
The most common and neutral way to say someone is smart or intelligent. Literally 'head is good'.
彼は本当に頭がいい。
He is really smart.
That kid is clever, so they learn quickly.
Means wise, intelligent, or clever. Often used for children or animals, or to imply good judgment. Can sound slightly formal or praising.
賢い犬ですね。
What a clever dog!
彼女は賢い選択をした。
She made a wise choice.
Means clever, sensible, or well-behaved. Often used for children or pets. Can imply being shrewd or not causing trouble.
利口な子だ。
He's a clever boy.
Describing someone who can think on their feet, find solutions, or handle situations skillfully.
Means to be quick-witted, resourceful, or able to think on one's feet. Literally 'wit works'.
彼は機転が利くから、どんな問題も解決できる。
He's resourceful, so he can solve any problem.
Literally 'head rotation is fast', meaning quick-thinking or sharp. Used for people who process information rapidly.
彼女は頭の回転が速いので、会話が楽しい。
She's quick-witted, so conversations with her are fun.
Means shrewd, sharp, or not missing a trick. Implies being clever in a practical, sometimes calculating way.
彼は抜け目がないから、ビジネスで成功した。
He's shrewd, so he succeeded in business.
Describing someone who is clever in a cunning, manipulative, or dishonest way.
Means sly, cunning, or crafty. Combines 'sly' (ずるい) with 'clever' (賢い). Negative connotation.
あの子はずる賢くて、いつも言い訳ばかりだ。
That kid is cunning and always making excuses.
Similar to ずる賢い, meaning crafty or wily. Slightly stronger negative nuance.
Describing someone who is clever at a particular activity, like using tools or coming up with ideas.
Means dexterous, skillful, or handy. Can also mean clever in managing things or being adaptable.
彼は手先が器用だ。
He is clever with his hands.
彼女は器用に問題を処理した。
She cleverly handled the problem.
Means skillful or good at something. Often used for practical skills. Can imply cleverness in execution.
The English phrase 'be clever' does not directly translate to a single Japanese verb. Use adjectives or phrases like 頭がいい or 賢い to describe a state of being clever.
頭がいい is the most common and neutral for 'smart'. 賢い implies wisdom and good judgment, often used for children or animals. 利口 is similar but can also mean well-behaved.
悪賢い政治家に騙された。
I was deceived by a crafty politician.
彼は嘘をつくのが上手だ。
He is clever at lying.