Translation guide
The English adjective 'with-it' means fashionable, up-to-date, or aware of current trends. It can also mean mentally alert or quick to understand. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings.
Describing a person, style, or thing that is currently popular or in vogue.
The most common and versatile word for stylish or fashionable. Can describe people, clothes, places, etc.
彼女はとてもおしゃれだ。
She is very with-it.
あのカフェはおしゃれな内装だ。
That café has a stylish interior.
Casual slang meaning cool, stylish, or happening. Often used for people or things that are currently trendy.
そのジャケット、イケてるね。
That jacket is really with-it.
Literally 'sensitive to trends'. Describes someone who is very aware of and follows the latest fashions.
彼は流行に敏感だ。
He is very with-it when it comes to trends.
Loanword from English 'trendy'. Used in fashion contexts, but can sound slightly dated or like a buzzword.
トレンディーなドラマが人気だ。
Trendy dramas are popular.
Describing someone who is sharp, perceptive, or quick on the uptake.
Idiom meaning 'sharp-minded' or 'quick-witted'. Implies intelligence and the ability to think fast.
彼は本当に頭が切れる。
He's really with-it.
Means 'sharp', 'clear-headed', or 'on the ball'. Can describe mental acuity or alertness.
今日は頭が冴えている。
I'm feeling really with-it today.
Literally 'quick to swallow/understand'. Describes someone who catches on quickly.
新人だけど、飲み込みが早いね。
He's new, but he's really with-it.
Describing someone who is knowledgeable about what's going on in the world.
Means 'knowledgeable about current affairs'. A natural way to say someone is with-it in a social or political sense.
彼女は世の中の動きに詳しい。
She's very with-it about what's happening in the world.
Literally 'high consciousness'. Often used for people who are socially aware, environmentally conscious, or politically engaged. Can have a slightly earnest nuance.
彼は環境問題に意識が高い。
He's very with-it about environmental issues.
There is no direct Japanese equivalent for 'with-it' as a single adjective. Using a literal translation like それと一緒 (sore to issho) would be completely wrong. Choose an expression based on the specific meaning you want to convey.