Japanese word

利口

Pronunciation

Romajirikō

Meaning

  • na-adjectivesmart

Example

あの子は利口です。a no ko wa ri kō de su

That child is smart.

Illustration for 利口 (smart)

More examples

彼女は先生の助言を聞いて、利口に行動しました。kano jo wa sen sei no jo gen o ki i te ri kō ni kō dō shi ma shi ta

She listened to her teacher's advice and acted sensibly.

Core concept

Describes practical intelligence that lets a person grasp what matters and act appropriately.

Common phrases

  • 利口な子ri kō na ko

    smart child

  • 利口に振る舞うri kō ni fu ru ma u

    act sensibly

Similar words

賢いkashikoi: Having good understanding and judgment in everyday situations.
利発rihatsu: Being quick to understand and respond intelligently, especially as a child.
聡明sōmei: Having a quick, clear mind and understanding things easily.

Definition in Japanese

知恵があり、状況に応じて無駄なく賢く振る舞えるさま。chi e ga a ri jō kyō ni ō ji te mu da na ku kashiko ku fu ru ma e ru sa ma

Word origin

利口 (rikō, "clever") combines 利 (ri, "advantage") with 口 (kō, "mouth"); the compound is associated with the Chinese sense of being clever or sharp in speech.

Usage tips

  • Depending on the context, 利口 (rikō) can sound approving or slightly ironic when it suggests that someone is being too clever.

Other meanings

  • sensiblena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 利口さrikōsasmartnessnoun
  • 利口ぶるrikōburuact smartverb

Word lists with this word