Translation guide
The ability to think quickly, solve problems, or find smart solutions. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize different aspects: quick-wittedness, ingenuity, practical intelligence, or craftiness. The most common and natural way to describe a clever person is 頭がいい (atama ga ii), literally 'head is good,' which broadly covers intelligence and quick thinking. Other expressions highlight specific nuances like resourcefulness or sharpness.
Describing someone who is smart, sharp, or quick-witted in a general sense.
The most common and natural way to say someone is clever or smart. It implies both intelligence and quick thinking.
He is really clever.
Clever people solve problems quickly.
Means wise, intelligent, or clever. Often used for children or animals showing smart behavior. Can sound slightly formal or literary.
Means clever, sensible, or shrewd. Often used for children or pets, implying they are well-behaved and smart. Can have a nuance of being 'too clever' or cunning in some contexts.
Emphasizing the ability to think on one's feet, respond quickly, or grasp things instantly.
Literally 'head's rotation is fast.' Describes someone who is quick-witted, sharp, and thinks fast.
Describing cleverness in devising solutions, being inventive, or using resources well.
Refers to ingenuity, resourcefulness, or devising a clever way to do something. Often used as a noun or verb (工夫する).
Describing cleverness that is sly, manipulative, or street-smart.
Describing something (an object, plan, or idea) that is cleverly made or thought out.
There is no single Japanese noun that perfectly matches 'cleverness' in all contexts. Instead, use phrases like 頭の良さ (atama no yosa, 'smartness') or 賢さ (kashikosa, 'wisdom/cleverness'), but these are less common. It's usually more natural to describe the person or action as clever using adjectives or verbs.
頭がいい is the most common and neutral way to say someone is clever/smart. 賢い often implies wisdom and good judgment, and is frequently used for children or animals. 利口 is similar but can sometimes imply being shrewd or cunning.
賢い犬だね。
What a clever dog!
She made a clever choice.
He's a clever boy.
He's quick-witted, so he can answer any question immediately.
Means to be quick-witted, resourceful, or able to think on one's feet, especially in a tricky situation.
A quick-witted person could get out of this pinch.
Means sharp, clear-headed, or on the ball. Often used to describe someone's mind or thinking when they are particularly alert and clever.
My mind is sharp today.
His clever idea made the work much easier.
We need to be more resourceful, or it'll take too long.
Means wisdom, wit, or intelligence. Often implies practical cleverness or good ideas. Used in phrases like 知恵を絞る (to rack one's brains).
Let's put our heads together and solve it.
A compound meaning creativity and ingenuity. Often used in business or technical contexts to praise innovative solutions.
This product is full of clever innovations.
Means sly, cunning, or crafty in a negative sense. Implies using cleverness for selfish or dishonest purposes.
Watch out for him; he's cunning.
Similar to ずる賢い, meaning crafty or wily. Slightly stronger negative connotation.
I was tricked by a cunning scheme.
Means impertinently clever, smart-alecky, or trying to be too clever. Often used to criticize someone who is being a know-it-all or using shallow cleverness.
Don't get smart with me.
Means ingenious, clever, or skillful. Often used for plans, designs, or tricks that are well-crafted.
That's a clever mechanism.
I was amazed at the criminal's clever method.
Means skillful, good, or clever. Very common in casual speech to praise a smart move or well-done action.
That's a clever idea!
Means thoughtful, considerate, or clever in a practical way. Often used for things or actions that show good sense or attention to detail.
It's a clever design.
He's clever and thoughtful, so he always prepares things in advance.