wisdom and good judgment; practical wisdom
Refers to the combination of knowledge (知恵) and the ability to make sound, sensible decisions (分別). Often used in contexts emphasizing mature, level-headed thinking.
彼は若いのに知恵分別がある。
He has wisdom and good judgment despite his youth.
知恵分別を働かせて行動しなさい。
Act with wisdom and discretion.
分別 alone means 'discernment' or 'good judgment'; 知恵分別 adds the nuance of wisdom or knowledge, making it a more comprehensive term for mature, sensible thinking.
知恵 alone means 'wisdom' or 'intelligence'; 知恵分別 combines this with practical judgment, emphasizing applied wisdom rather than just knowledge.
Standard kanji spelling using 知恵 (wisdom) and 分別 (discernment).
Variant using 智恵; 智 is an alternative character for wisdom, less common in modern usage.
Compound of 知恵 (wisdom) and 分別 (discernment, judgment). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination is straightforward and transparent.