Translation guide
The English word "wisdom" covers a range of concepts from practical knowledge and good judgment to deep philosophical insight. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the nuance.
The ability to make sensible decisions based on experience and knowledge.
The most common and versatile word for wisdom, covering practical intelligence, knowledge, and resourcefulness.
彼は人生の知恵をたくさん持っている。
He has a lot of wisdom about life.
この本には役立つ知恵が詰まっている。
This book is full of useful wisdom.
Emphasizes discretion, prudence, and the ability to distinguish right from wrong in practical matters.
彼は分別のある判断を下した。
He made a wise (prudent) decision.
Refers to cleverness or smartness, often in a practical or intellectual sense. More about intelligence than deep wisdom.
彼女の賢さにはいつも感心する。
I'm always impressed by her wisdom (cleverness).
Profound understanding of life, truth, or the nature of things.
Connotes superior, often intellectual or spiritual wisdom; used for great thinkers or profound insights.
古代ギリシャの哲学者たちの英知は今も輝いている。
The wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers still shines today.
Often written with the older kanji 叡智, implying deep, almost divine wisdom. Similar to 英知 but can feel more literary or spiritual.
Abstract noun meaning knowledge or wisdom, often used in compounds or philosophical contexts.
知の探求
the pursuit of wisdom/knowledge
Wisdom passed down through generations, often in the form of sayings or traditional knowledge.
Literally 'words of wisdom', used for proverbs or wise sayings.
祖母はいつも知恵の言葉をかけてくれた。
My grandmother always shared words of wisdom with me.
Proverb or maxim; a concise saying expressing a general truth or piece of advice.
この格言は古代中国の知恵に由来する。
This proverb originates from ancient Chinese wisdom.
Lesson or moral teaching, often derived from experience or a story.
Used in fixed expressions or when referring to wisdom as an abstract ideal.
Idiom meaning 'to rack one's brains' or 'to pool one's wisdom' to solve a problem.
みんなで知恵を絞って解決策を考えよう。
Let's put our heads together and come up with a solution.
Literally 'ring of wisdom', refers to a puzzle ring or a brain teaser; metaphorically a complex problem.
知恵 (chie) is the everyday word for practical wisdom, cleverness, or knowledge gained through experience. 英知 (eichi) is more elevated, used for profound intellectual or spiritual insight. In casual conversation, 知恵 is almost always the better choice.
賢さ (kashikosa) means smartness or cleverness, and can sound like 'intelligence' rather than 'wisdom'. Use it only when the context is about being sharp or quick-witted, not for deep understanding or life experience.
彼女は若い世代に自分の知恵を伝えた。
She shared her wisdom with the younger generation.
His words convey deep wisdom.
この失敗から多くの教訓を得た。
I gained a lot of wisdom (lessons) from this failure.
この問題はまるで知恵の輪だ。
This problem is like a puzzle.