Japanese word

知能

Pronunciation

Romajichinō

Meaning

  • nounintelligence

Example

このテストは知能を測ります。ko no te su to wa chi nō o haka ri ma su

This test measures intelligence.

Illustration for 知能 (intelligence)

More examples

読書は知能を伸ばす助けになります。doku sho wa chi nō o no ba su tasu ke ni na ri ma su

Reading helps develop intelligence.

Core concept

Describes the capacity to take in information, think through it, and respond with understanding.

Common phrases

  • 知能を測るchi nō o haka ru

    measure intelligence

  • 知能検査chi nō ken sa

    intelligence test

  • 知能が低いchi nō ga hiku i

    have low intelligence

Similar words

知性chisei: The ability to understand ideas and use clear, thoughtful judgment.
知力chiryoku: Mental ability used to understand information, reason, and solve problems.
頭脳zunō: A person's mental ability, especially when applied to learning or thinking.

Definition in Japanese

物事を知り、理解し、考え、判断する精神の働きや能力。mono goto o shi ri ri kai shi kanga e han dan su ru sei shin no hatara ki ya nō ryoku

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 知能 (chinō) combines 知 (chi, "knowledge") with 能 (nō, "ability").

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use brains for intelligence in casual speech, but the neutral Japanese term 知能 (chinō) also appears in discussions of testing and development.

Other meanings

  • brainsnoun

Opposites

  • 愚かさorokasafoolishnessnoun

Word lists with this word