Translation guide
The quality of being clever at achieving one's aims by indirect or deceitful methods. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words that emphasize cunning, slyness, or resourcefulness, often with negative connotations.
Describing someone who uses clever but often dishonest methods to get what they want.
A formal term for cunning or craftiness, often used in written or serious contexts. Implies a calculated, sometimes malicious cleverness.
Describing someone who is good at finding ways to solve problems, sometimes with a nuance of being shrewd.
Means shrewd, sharp, or not missing a trick. Can be positive (resourceful) or negative (calculating) depending on context.
彼女は抜け目なくて、いつも良い機会を逃さない。
She is crafty and never misses a good opportunity.
The English word 'craftiness' often carries a negative connotation of deceit. In Japanese, direct translations like '狡猾' are quite strong and formal. For everyday use, consider using 'ずる賢い' or '抜け目ない' depending on the nuance.
狡猾 (こうかつ) is a formal, written term implying calculated cunning, while ずる賢い (ずるがしこい) is a colloquial adjective for selfish slyness. Use 狡猾 in serious contexts like politics or crime, and ずる賢い for everyday situations like cheating in games.
彼は狡猾な手口で相手を出し抜いた。
He outwitted his opponent with crafty tactics.
An adjective meaning sly or cunning in a selfish, underhanded way. Common in everyday speech.
あの子はずる賢くて、いつも宿題を写している。
That kid is crafty; he always copies homework.
Similar to ずる賢い but with a stronger nuance of malicious intent. Implies craftiness used for bad purposes.
悪賢い詐欺師に騙されないように気をつけて。
Be careful not to be tricked by crafty con artists.
A literary term for craftiness born of experience, often used to describe an old fox or a seasoned schemer. Rare in daily conversation.
老獪な政治家は巧みに質問をかわした。
The crafty politician skillfully dodged the question.
Means ingenious or clever, often used for schemes or methods. Can imply craftiness when the method is deceptive.
巧妙な手口でパスワードを盗んだ。
He stole the password using a crafty method.
Literally 'has wisdom', but can imply craftiness in a positive sense of being resourceful and smart.
彼は知恵があるから、どんな問題も解決できる。
He is crafty enough to solve any problem.