Translation and Meaning of: 知的 - chiteki

The Japanese word 知的[ちてき] is a term that sparks curiosity both for its meaning and for its application in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the language, understanding this expression can enrich your vocabulary and cultural perception. In this article, we will explore what 知的 means, how it is used in different contexts, and some particularities that make it unique.

In addition to uncovering its translation and origin, let's analyze how the Japanese perceive this word in their daily lives. Does it often come up in informal conversations? Is there any specific use in media such as animes or literature? These are some of the questions we will address next, always based on reliable sources and verified information.

Meaning and translation of 知的 [ちてき]

The word 知的 is an adjective in the adnominal form (連体形) meaning "intellectual," "cognitive," or "related to knowledge." It is composed of the kanji 知 (knowledge) and 的 (a suffix that indicates quality or characteristic). Unlike terms like 賢い (wise) or 頭がいい (smart), 知的 carries a more academic or refined nuance, often associated with cultivated intelligence.

In translations to Portuguese, it's important to note that 知的 (chiteki) does not refer only to an innate mental capacity, but rather to something that involves study, culture, and reasoning. For example, 知的活動 (chiteki katsudou) would be "intellectual activity," while 知的財産 (chiteki zaisan) is the legal term for "intellectual property." This semantic breadth causes the word to appear in various contexts, from everyday conversations to specialized texts.

Cultural usage and frequency in Japan

In Japan, 知的 is a word that carries a positive connotation, often used to describe people, environments, or content that demonstrates mental sophistication. It appears regularly in discussions about education, such as in 知的レベル (intellectual level), and even in advertisements that seek to associate products with a more cultured lifestyle. However, it is not a term that is used casually among friends – its register is more formal or descriptive.

An interesting curiosity is that 知的 appears in the titles of books and TV programs that deal with scientific or philosophical themes. NHK, the Japanese public broadcaster, has produced series like 知的冒険 (Intellectual Adventure), showcasing how the word is linked to the dissemination of knowledge. This type of usage reinforces its educational character, distancing it from colloquialisms or slang.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to memorize 知的 is to associate it with situations involving learning or reasoning. For example, when visiting a library or university in Japan, you might think: "This is a very intellectual place." This type of contextual association helps internalize not only the meaning but also the appropriate tone of the word.

Another tip is to pay attention to the kanjis that compose it. 知 appears in terms such as 知識 (knowledge) and 知能 (intelligence), while 的 is a common suffix in adjectives like 科学的 (scientific) and 芸術的 (artistic). Recognizing these patterns makes it easier to understand other derived words. It's worth noting that, being a more formal term, 知的 is not typically used for direct and casual compliments – in those cases, the Japanese prefer expressions like 物知り (knowledgeable person) or 博学 (scholar).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 知性 (Chisei) - Intelligence; the ability to understand and process information.
• 知識 (Chishiki) - Knowledge; the accumulation of information and facts.
• 知恵 (Chie) - Wisdom; the ability to use knowledge effectively.
• 知力 (Chiryoku) - Cognitive power; the mental ability to think and understand.
• 知性的 (Chiseiteki) - Intellectual; related to intelligence and reasoning ability.
• 知的能力 (Chitekina Nōryoku) - Intellectual ability; the capacity to learn, understand, and apply knowledge.

知的

Romaji: chiteki
Kana: ちてき
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: intellectual

Meaning in English: intellectual

Definition: Intelligent: An adjective related to or denoting intelligence.

Example Sentences - (知的) chiteki

See below some example sentences:

インテリは知的である。

Inteli wa chiteki de aru

Intelli is smart.

• インテリ - a Japanese word meaning "intellectual".
• は - topic particle in Japanese, which indicates that the subject of the sentence is "インテリ".
• 知的 - Japanese adjective meaning "intelligent".
• である - Japanese verb that indicates the formal and polite form of the verb "to be".

知的な人は魅力的です。

Chiteki na hito wa miryokuteki desu

Intellectuals are attractive.

• 知的な人 - smart person
• は - Topic particle
• 魅力的です - is attractive