英知
eichi[e̞ːt͡ɕi]
The English word 'wisdom' can be translated into Japanese as 英知 (eichi) or 知恵. Wiktionary also lists 知識 (chishiki).
Meaning: ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 英知 | eichi | [e̞ːt͡ɕi] (narrow) |
| 知識 | chishiki | [t͡ɕiɕi̥kʲi] (narrow) |
Japanese has different words for the concept of wisdom depending on whether you mean practical cleverness or abstract, high-level intellect. While 知恵 is used for practical intelligence, 英知 refers to a more profound or enlightened type of wisdom.
What does it mean word for word?
The formal term 英知 is composed of 英, meaning excellent or heroic and 知, meaning wisdom or intellect. The common term 知恵 is composed of 知, meaning to know or wisdom and 恵, meaning blessing or favor.
Which one should you use?
知識 refers specifically to acquired information or factual knowledge. In contrast, both 英知 and 知恵 describe the application of that knowledge. While 知恵 refers to practical intelligence or cleverness, 英知 is a more abstract term for wisdom.
How do you pronounce it?
eichi
Did you know?
- While 'wisdom' is a noun in English, the Japanese 知恵 is frequently used as a verb by adding を絞る to mean 'squeezing' one's wisdom to solve a difficult problem.
- Japanese uses the word 知恵 in the term 知恵袋, meaning 'wisdom bag'. This refers to a collection of tips or a person who serves as a source of helpful advice.
- If you describe someone as having 知恵 (chie), you might be implying they are 'crafty' or 'shrewd' rather than just deep or philosophical.
Examples in context
- 情報は知識ではなく、知識は知恵ではなく、知恵は真実ではなく、真実は美ではなく、美は愛ではなく、愛は音楽ではない、音楽こそが最上だ。Information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, wisdom is not truth, truth is not beauty, beauty is not love, love is not music, music is the best.This sentence is useful for illustrating the distinction between information, knowledge and wisdom using 知識.Tatoeba #1614212 by Meow, translation #819869 by DJ_Saidez
- 彼女は大いなる 知恵 を持っている。She possesses great wisdom.
- 彼はとても 賢い 人だ。He is a very wise person.
- 先人の英知を学ぶべきだ。Senjin no eichi o manabu beki da.We should learn from the wisdom of our ancestors.
- 科学の英知が人類を救う。Kagaku no eichi ga jinrui o sukuu.The wisdom of science will save humanity.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are talking about a classic philosophy book.
- 陽太 Yotaこの本には深い英知が詰まっているね。Kono hon ni wa fukai eichi ga tsumatte iru ne.This book is packed with deep wisdom, isn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当にそうね。考えさせられるわ。Hontō ni sō ne. Kangaesaserareru wa.It really is. It makes me think.
- 陽太 Yota現代でも通用する英知だと思うよ。Gendai demo tsūyō suru eichi da to omou yo.I think it's wisdom that still applies today.
- 結衣 Yui陽太の言う通りね。大切に読もう。Yōta no iu tōri ne. Taisetsu ni yomō.You're right, Yota. Let's read it carefully.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wisdom” translations and entries 英知, 知識, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
