Translation guide
The English word "intelligence" covers several distinct concepts: cognitive ability, secret information, and the organizations that gather it. Japanese uses different words for each, and the best choice depends on what you want to express.
Talking about someone's mental capacity, cleverness, or general smartness.
The standard word for intelligence as a measurable cognitive ability, often used in psychology, education, and everyday contexts.
He has high intelligence.
I took a test to measure my intelligence quotient.
Refers to intellectual capacity with a nuance of wisdom, depth, or cultured intelligence. Often used for people, animals, or even AI.
A casual, everyday way to say "smartness" or "how smart someone is." Literally "goodness of head."
Intellectual power or mental strength, often used in contexts like games, puzzles, or academic competition.
Referring to information gathered secretly, especially for military or political purposes.
The most common word for "information," but in espionage contexts it means "intelligence." Often combined with other words like 諜報 (ちょうほう) for clarity.
Gather intelligence on the enemy.
Specifically means espionage or secret intelligence activities. Often used in compounds like 諜報活動 (espionage activities) or 諜報機関 (intelligence agency).
Referring to the organization or group responsible for gathering secret information.
知能 is the most clinical and measurable (like IQ). 知性 implies depth, wisdom, or cultured intellect. 頭の良さ is casual and often refers to quick-wittedness or academic smartness. Use 知能 for formal discussions of cognitive ability, 知性 for praising someone's intellectual depth, and 頭の良さ in everyday conversation.
知能 only means cognitive ability. If you say 知能を集める, it sounds like you're collecting IQs. Use 情報 or 諜報 for secret intelligence.
I admire her intelligence.
Dolphins possess high intelligence.
Everyone acknowledges his intelligence.
This game tests your intelligence.
That intelligence is classified.
彼は諜報活動に従事していた。
He was engaged in intelligence activities.
Loanword from English, used in specific contexts like military or business intelligence. Often part of compound terms.
The intelligence agency analyzed the information.
More specific term for an espionage or intelligence agency, emphasizing secret operations.
An agent of the intelligence agency was arrested.