Translation guide
A person who is clever at understanding and making judgments, especially in practical matters, often with a connotation of being sharp and sometimes cunning.
Describing someone who is astute, sharp-witted, and good at making judgments, especially in business or everyday situations.
A common phrase meaning a person who is sharp, alert, and misses nothing. Often used for someone who is shrewd in a positive, capable sense.
彼は抜け目のない人だから、交渉は任せて大丈夫だ。
He's a shrewd person, so it's safe to leave the negotiations to him.
Describing someone who is shrewd in a way that suggests they are crafty, manipulative, or self-serving.
Means a sly, cunning person. Carries a negative connotation of being crafty and underhanded.
彼はずる賢い人で、いつも自分だけ得をしようとする。
He's a shrewd person who always tries to benefit only himself.
Describing someone who is shrewd in understanding people and situations, often with good intuition.
Literally 'sharp-eyed person.' Used for someone who quickly notices things, especially opportunities or details, and acts on them.
彼女は目ざとい人で、すぐに市場の変化に気づく。
She is a shrewd person who quickly notices changes in the market.
Refers to a go-getter, a capable and shrewd person, especially in business. Often implies someone who gets things done efficiently.
あの営業マンはやり手で、いつもトップの成績だ。
That salesperson is a shrewd operator and always has the top results.
A sharp, clever person. Often used for someone who is intellectually sharp and quick-witted, sometimes with a nuance of being formidable.
彼は切れ者として社内で知られている。
He is known in the company as a shrewd person.
A person who is not to be trusted; a sly, shrewd character. Often used for someone who seems harmless but is actually cunning.
あの男は食わせ者だから、気をつけたほうがいい。
That man is a shrewd customer, so you'd better be careful.
A strategist, a schemer. Implies a person who is shrewd in planning and maneuvering, often in politics or business. Can be neutral or negative.
彼は政界の策士として知られている。
He is known as a shrewd strategist in the political world.
A person with sharp intuition. Emphasizes the ability to sense things quickly and accurately.
彼は勘の鋭い人で、嘘を見抜くのが得意だ。
He is a shrewd person with sharp intuition, good at seeing through lies.