Chinese word

精明

Pronunciation

Pinyinjīng míng

Meaning

  • adjectiveshrewd

Example

他很精明，总能看出别人的意图。tā hěn jīng míng zǒng néng kàn chū bié rén de yì tú

He is very shrewd and can always figure out other people's intentions.

Illustration for 精明 (shrewd)

More examples

作为精明的投资者，他会分散风险。zuò wéi jīng míng de tóu zī zhě tā huì fēn sàn fēng xiǎn

As a shrewd investor, he diversifies risk.

Core concept

A person reads a situation accurately, notices what matters, and acts with careful, effective judgment.

Common phrases

  • 精明的投资者jīng míng de tóu zī zhě

    shrewd investor

  • 精明的判断jīng míng de pàn duàn

    shrewd judgment

  • 精明的人jīng míng de rén

    shrewd person

Similar words

聪明cōng míng: Bright and quick to grasp ideas, learn skills, and solve problems.
老练lǎo liàn: Steady and capable because of broad experience in dealing with situations.
圆滑yuán huá: Smooth and diplomatic in social dealings, keeping interactions free of conflict.
狡猾jiǎo huá: Sly and manipulative, using deceptive plans to achieve a purpose.

Definition in Chinese

做事考虑周到、能看清利害并采取最有利的办法，常指处事机敏且没有疏漏的性格或行为。zuò shì kǎo lǜ zhōu dào néng kàn qīng lì hài bìng cái qǔ zuì yǒu lì de bàn fǎ cháng zhǐ chǔ shì jī mǐn qiě méi yǒu shū lòu de xìng gé huò xíng wéi

Word origin

精 (jīng, "refined") + 明 (míng, "clear") combines attention to detail with mental clarity to describe a person who makes advantageous decisions.

Usage tips

  • The adjective usually describes practical judgment rather than school ability, so it fits a capable negotiator or shopper better than a high test score.

Other meanings

  • smartadjective
  • sharpadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word