HSK · Level 98
45 words
Chinese word
机智
Pronunciation
Pinyinjī zhì
Meaning
- nounwit
Example
他的机智救了我们。tā de jī zhì jiù le wǒ men
His wit saved us.
More examples
会议上，他凭借机智化解了尴尬。huì yì shàng tā píng jiè jī zhì huà jiě le gān gà
At the meeting, he relied on his wit to ease the awkwardness.
Core concept
A ready mind that finds a useful way through surprise, difficulty, or awkwardness.
Common phrases
凭借机智píng jiè jī zhì
rely on wit
缺乏机智quē fá jī zhì
lack wit
展现机智zhǎn xiàn jī zhì
show wit
Similar words
应变能力yìng biàn néng lì: The ability to switch methods quickly so a changing situation can be handled well.
反应能力fǎn yìng néng lì: The power to react quickly to something that happens or affects the senses.
临机应变lín jī yìng biàn: Quick judgment and action that deal effectively with an unexpected situation.
机敏性jī mǐn xìng: The quality of being alert to changes and moving or reacting quickly.
Definition in Chinese
在具体情境中用灵活的方法迅速解决问题或化解尴尬，侧重应变能力而非长期学识的特征。zài jù tǐ qíng jìng zhōng yòng líng huó de fāng fǎ xùn sù jiě jué wèn tí huò huà jiě gān gà cè zhòng yìng biàn néng lì ér fēi cháng qī xué shí de tè zhēng
Word origin
The compound 机智 (jīzhì, "wit") is formed from 机 (jī, "nimbleness") + 智 (zhì, "wisdom"), linking clever thought with rapid adaptation to circumstances.
Usage tips
- English wit often suggests humor or a clever remark, while this word also praises practical handling of an unexpected or awkward situation.
Other meanings
- resourcefulnessnoun
Related words
- 机智地jī zhì dìwittilyadverb
- 机智过人jī zhì guò rénexceptionally wittyidiom