Translation guide
The English word 'intuitive' can describe things that are easy to understand without conscious reasoning, or a person's ability to understand something instinctively. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on whether you're talking about a design, a feeling, or a person.
Describing interfaces, designs, systems, or concepts that are immediately clear and require no instruction.
The most direct translation, meaning 'instinctive' or 'intuitive'. Commonly used for user interfaces, designs, or operations that feel natural.
このアプリのデザインはとても直感的だ。
This app's design is very intuitive.
Literally 'easy to understand'. A very common and natural way to say something is intuitive in the sense of being clear and straightforward.
この説明書はわかりやすい。
This manual is intuitive.
Means 'easy to use'. Often used for intuitive tools or interfaces, focusing on the user experience.
このソフトはとても使いやすい。
This software is very intuitive.
Literally 'understand by feeling'. Emphasizes that no thinking is needed; you just get it.
このゲームは感覚的にわかる。
This game is intuitive.
Describing a decision, judgment, or understanding that comes from a gut feeling.
Again the primary translation, but here it refers to an instinctive mental process rather than ease of use.
彼の判断は直感的だった。
His decision was intuitive.
Means 'intuition' or 'sixth sense'. Often used in phrases like 勘で (by intuition).
彼は勘で答えを選んだ。
He chose the answer intuitively.
Adverbial phrase meaning 'by intuition'. Used when acting on a hunch.
直感でそれが正しいと思った。
I intuitively felt that was right.
Describing a person who is naturally good at grasping things without being told.
Means 'sharp intuition'. Describes a person who is very intuitive.
彼女は直感が鋭い。
She is very intuitive.
Literally 'good intuition'. A common, casual way to say someone has good instincts.
あの子は勘がいいね。
That kid is intuitive, isn't he?
Means 'perceptive' or 'quick on the uptake'. Implies understanding situations without explicit explanation.
彼は察しがいいから、説明は不要だ。
He's intuitive, so no explanation is needed.
While 直感的 can describe a person's thought process, it's more natural to use phrases like 直感が鋭い or 勘がいい when describing someone's intuitive ability.
直感的 implies an instinctive, almost subconscious understanding, while わかりやすい simply means 'easy to understand' through clear presentation. For user interfaces, both can work, but 直感的 is closer to the English 'intuitive'.
インターフェースはとても直感的です。
The interface is very intuitive.
彼女は人を直感的に理解する。
She has an intuitive understanding of people.
Literally 'sixth sense'. A bit more dramatic, often used for unexplainable gut feelings.
第六感が働いた。
My intuition kicked in.