How to say "wisdom" in Japanese

• 知恵ちえJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word: wisdom as the ability to think and act sensibly, gained through experience, covering wit and resourcefulness too. This is the default choice in most contexts.
  彼かれは知恵ちえのある人ひとだ。↗

  He is a man of wisdom.
• 英知えいちCommon
  nounA weightier word for wisdom: profound insight or enlightened intelligence, the kind attributed to sages and great thinkers rather than ordinary cleverness. Choose it when 'wisdom' sounds lofty or intellectual.
  いわゆる英知えいちは単たんに知識ちしきの断片だんぺんではないことを心こころにとめておくべきだ。↗

  We should bear in mind what is called wisdom is not a mere item of knowledge.
• 才気さいきCommon
  nounGlossed as wisdom, but really denotes brilliance of mind — quick wit and keen intelligence — rather than mature wisdom or sound judgement. Seldom the word you want when translating 'wisdom'.
  彼かれはハンサムで才気さいきも金かねもある紳士しんしである。↗

  He is a gentleman, handsome, clever, and rich.
• 分別ふんべつCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbWisdom in the practical sense: discretion, prudence and good sense — the level-headed judgement that keeps one's conduct sensible. Use it when 'wisdom' means knowing what is appropriate rather than intellect.
  彼かれはとびぬけて分別ふんべつのある人ひとだ。↗

  He is by far the most sensible.

Use 知恵 as the general word for wisdom and cleverness, 英知 for profound or enlightened wisdom, 分別 for wisdom as practical good sense and prudence, and avoid 才気, which really denotes brilliant quick wit.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 知恵ちえwisdom
• 英知えいちwisdom
• 才気さいきwisdom
• 分別ふんべつdiscretion
• 知ちwisdom
• 恵えwisdom
• 悟性ごせいwisdom
• 明哲めいてつwisdom
• 明達めいたつwisdom
• 開悟かいごwisdom
• 知慮ちりょforesight
• 明智めいちsagacity
• 物分りものわかりunderstanding (of people's circumstances and feelings)
• 卓見たっけんexcellent idea
• 哲てつsagacity