Translation guide
The English word "smart" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: intelligent/clever, well-dressed/stylish, and technology that is intelligent or connected. It also touches on the physical sensation of a sharp pain.
Describing a person, idea, or action that shows intelligence or quick thinking.
The most common and natural way to say someone is smart or intelligent. Literally 'head is good'. Used for people.
He is really smart.
That kid is the smartest in school.
Means wise, clever, or smart. Often implies good judgment or practical intelligence. Can be used for people and sometimes animals.
That's a smart choice.
She is a very smart student.
Means clever or smart, often with a nuance of being shrewd or quick-witted. Commonly used for children or pets.
What a smart dog.
A more formal or literary word meaning intelligent and wise. Often used in written language or formal speech.
He is a wise and intelligent leader.
Describing someone's appearance, especially clothing, that is neat, fashionable, and elegant.
The most common word for stylish, fashionable, or smartly dressed. Can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
You look smart today.
He always wears smart suits.
A loanword from English, but in Japanese it primarily means slim, stylish, or smart in appearance. It does not mean intelligent.
Does not mean 'intelligent' in Japanese. Use only for appearance or slimness.
Means sophisticated, refined, or smart in style. Implies a polished, urban look.
Her outfit is very smart.
Describing devices, machines, or systems that are digitally connected and capable of independent action or data processing.
Describing a quick, stinging pain.
Literally 'sharp pain'. Used for a smarting pain, like a slap or a cut.
His words caused a smarting pain.
An onomatopoeic expression for a sharp, stinging sensation, like from a slap or spicy food.
I hit my knee and it smarted.
The Japanese word スマート means 'slim' or 'stylish', not 'intelligent'. To say someone is smart (intelligent), use 頭がいい or 賢い.
He is slim/stylish. (NOT 'He is intelligent.')
He is tall and smart-looking.
このアプリはとても賢い。
This app is really smart.