英知・叡智・叡知・英智|えいちeichi[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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Which spelling to use
英知英知 is the most common and standard written form, written entirely in kanji. It is the form beginners should use by default.
叡智叡智 is a less common alternative written entirely in kanji. You may encounter it, but beginners should normally choose 英知 instead.
叡知叡知 is a less common alternative written entirely in kanji, encountered less often than 英知 and 叡智. It is not the first choice for beginners.
英智英智 is written entirely in kanji but is rarely used, so learners will seldom encounter it and should choose 英知 instead.
Definitions
- nounwisdom; intelligence; sagacity
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym知恵ちえNeutralThe everyday word for wisdom and practical ideas, as in 「知恵を絞る」; 「英知」 is deeper, grander wisdom.
- Synonym聡明そうめいNeutralDescribes a person as bright and quick to understand, as in 「聡明な女性」; it praises a sharp mind rather than naming deep wisdom like 「英知」.
- Synonym明哲めいてつWrittenWritten/formal: sagacious and well versed in the way of things; can also mean such a wise person. Fairly rare.
- Synonym明達めいたつWrittenWritten/formal: grasping matters well and showing excellent judgment; rare in use.
- Synonym賢けんWrittenSagacity or a sage; mostly used as a combining element in compounds, rarely alone, with an archaic, elegant flavor.
- Synonym才知さいちWrittenWritten/formal: talent combined with wisdom, stressing quick cleverness, as in 「才知に長ける」.
- Related才気さいきNeutralTalent and quick wit that show outwardly, as in 「才気あふれる」; it highlights conspicuous brilliance, not deep wisdom.
- Related英明えいめいWrittenWritten/formal: outstanding judgment, said mostly of rulers or leaders, with a laudatory nuance.
- Related知性ちせいNeutralIntellect: the ability to understand and judge, as in 「知性的な人」; stresses cultivated rationality rather than deep wisdom.
- Related頭脳ずのうNeutralBrains or intellect, also a brilliant mind or brainy person, as in 「頭脳明晰」 and 「頭脳流出」.
- Related理知りちNeutralReason or intellect: judging by logic rather than emotion, as in 「理知的な顔」; it stresses rationality, not profound wisdom.
- Related悟性ごせいWrittenA philosophical term for the faculty of understanding, between sense and reason; academic usage, not everyday wisdom.
- Antonym無知むちNeutralNeutral antonym: having no knowledge, ignorance; contrasts with the wisdom-filled 「英知」.
- Antonym愚鈍ぐどんWrittenWritten/formal antonym: foolish and slow-witted; stands opposite the sagacity of 「英知」.
Use 「英知」 for profound wisdom that grasps truths and principles, as in 「人類の英知を結集する」. For everyday wisdom and practical ideas, say 「知恵」; for a bright, quick-minded person, 「聡明」; for the rational faculty, 「知性」 or 「理知」. 「英明」「悟性」「明哲」「明達」「賢」「才知」 are written/formal and often rare, 「才気」 is outward talent and wit, and 「頭脳」 means brains or a brainy person. Antonyms: 「愚鈍」 and 「無知」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
See also
