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.
彼は本当に頭がいい。
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.
賢い選択ですね。
That's a smart choice.
彼女はとても賢い学生だ。
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.
利口な犬だね。
What a smart dog.
A more formal or literary word meaning intelligent and wise. Often used in written language or formal speech.
彼は聡明な指導者だ。
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.
今日はおしゃれですね。
You look smart today.
彼はいつもおしゃれなスーツを着ている。
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.
彼女の服装はあか抜けている。
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.
彼の言葉が鋭い痛みを与えた。
His words caused a smarting pain.
An onomatopoeic expression for a sharp, stinging sensation, like from a slap or spicy food.
ひざを打ってピリッとした。
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.
彼はスマートだ。
He is slim/stylish. (NOT 'He is intelligent.')
彼は背が高くてスマートだ。
He is tall and smart-looking.
このアプリはとても賢い。
This app is really smart.