Japanese word

インテリ

Pronunciation

Romajiinteri

Meaning

  • nounintellectual

Example

彼はインテリですが、気さくな人です。kare wa i n te ri de su ga ki sa ku na hito de su

He is an intellectual, but he is friendly.

Illustration for インテリ (intellectual)

More examples

この雑誌はインテリ向けですが、内容は読みやすいです。ko no zas shi wa i n te ri mu ke de su ga nai yō wa yo mi ya su i de su

This magazine is aimed at intellectuals, but its content is easy to read.

Core concept

Presents someone as well educated and knowledgeable, with learning as a defining part of the person's social identity.

Common phrases

  • インテリとしてi n te ri to shi te

    as an intellectual

  • インテリ層i n te ri sō

    intellectual class

Similar words

知識人chishikijin: A person known for broad knowledge and educated opinions on social or cultural issues.
教養人kyōyōnin: A person whose wide learning includes knowledge of culture, history, and the arts.

Definition in Japanese

知識や教養を身につけた知的な人。chi shiki ya kyō yō o mi ni tsu ke ta chi teki na hito

Word origin

インテリ (interi) is an abbreviation of インテリゲンチャ (interigencha), a Japanese borrowing of Russian интеллигенция (intelligentsiya), a term for educated intellectuals.

Usage tips

  • インテリ (interi) has a conversational tone in Japanese and commonly labels a person as educated or bookish rather than describing a formal profession.

Other meanings

  • educated personnoun

Word lists with this word