Word
Kana: ちえ Romaji: chie Level: N3

知恵

Meaning in English

wisdom, practical intelligence, idea

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What it means

What does 知恵 mean? It denotes practical wisdom and good judgement derived from experience, enabling prudent decisions and effective problem solving.

Main meanings

  • wisdom demonstrated in practical situations, especially when solving problems
  • sagacity or shrewdness applied to everyday life
  • ability to discern the right course of action in complex matters

How to use it

Used as a noun in formal and informal contexts to denote practical wisdom; common in expressions like 知恵を絞る and 知恵を借りる; appropriate for essays, speeches, and educational discourse.

Variants and close terms

  • 賢さ (ken-sa): wisdom, prudence
  • 英知 (ei-chi): wit, sagacity
  • 無知 (mu-chi): ignorance (antonym)

Composition

  • 知 = to know; knowledge
  • 恵 = blessing, grace

Etymology

知 chi is kun-reading; 恵 e is kun-reading; together as a native compound with no loanword influence; pronunciation chie is stable in modern Japanese.

Origin

In ancient Japan the concept of practical wisdom appears in classical writings and education, later integrated into everyday speech and moral instruction.

Word class

Noun (名詞)

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