noun
delayed mental development; cognitive delay; late-developing intelligence
Refers to a person whose intellectual growth or understanding comes later than usual. Often used in developmental or educational contexts.
彼は遅知恵で、小学校に入ってから急に伸びた。
He was a late bloomer intellectually and suddenly improved after entering elementary school.
遅知恵の子には、焦らずに見守ることが大切だ。
For a child with delayed mental development, it's important to watch over them patiently without rushing.
noun
hindsight; wisdom after the event
Used when someone realizes something only after it has happened, often with a nuance of regret or belated understanding. Compare with 後知恵 (あとぢえ), which is more common for this meaning.
See also: 後知恵
事故が起きてから安全対策を考えるなんて、遅知恵もいいところだ。
Thinking about safety measures only after an accident has occurred is a perfect example of hindsight.
遅知恵で後悔するより、
Instead of regretting with hindsight, let's prepare thoroughly in advance.
More common for 'hindsight'; 遅知恵 can also mean 'delayed mental development', which 後知恵 does not.
Compound of 遅 (late) and 知恵 (wisdom/intelligence). The exact historical derivation is uncertain.