Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the concept of 'wise' in Japanese, focusing on wisdom, good judgment, and knowledge. It includes adjectives, nouns, and set phrases, organized by nuance and usage.
Describing a person, decision, or action that shows experience, knowledge, and sound judgment.
The most common and versatile word for 'wise' or 'clever'. It implies intelligence and good judgment. Can be used for people, decisions, or actions.
He is a very wise person.
You made a wise choice.
A more formal adjective meaning 'wise' or 'sensible'. Often used for decisions, judgments, or courses of action. It emphasizes prudence and sound reasoning.
I think it's a wise decision.
Wise investments lead to future stability.
A literary and elegant term for 'wise' or 'intelligent', often implying innate brilliance and deep insight. Used to describe highly respected individuals.
She is known as a wise leader.
Describing wisdom that comes from life experience, often associated with age or learning.
Literally 'to have wisdom'. This phrase emphasizes practical wisdom and knowledge, often gained through experience. It's a natural way to say someone is wise.
My grandmother has life wisdom.
His words contain deep wisdom.
Also covers this nuance, especially when referring to practical cleverness.
Means 'knowledgeable' or 'well-informed'. It focuses on having a lot of factual knowledge rather than deep judgment. Can be used for 'wise' in the sense of being learned.
He is a wise person who knows a lot about history.
Describing how something is done wisely.
Referring to a short, well-known saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice.
Expressing the process of gaining wisdom.
Referring to a person renowned for their wisdom.
賢い (kashikoi) is a general adjective for 'wise' or 'clever', used in everyday speech. 賢明な (kenmei na) is more formal and emphasizes prudence and sound judgment, often used in writing or formal speech about decisions and actions.
The English slang 'wise guy' (a sarcastic or know-it-all person) does not translate directly to any of these terms. For that nuance, consider 知ったかぶり (shittakaburi, 'know-it-all') or 生意気な (namaiki na, 'cheeky').
賢い人は経験から学ぶ。
A wise person learns from experience.
彼はよく古代の格言を引用する。
He often quotes ancient wise sayings.
彼は現代の哲人と呼ばれている。
He is called a modern-day wise man.