Translation and Meaning of: 賢い - kashikoi

If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, you may have come across the word 賢い [かしこい]. It is frequently used in everyday life and appears in various contexts, from informal conversations to animes and books. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is perceived in Japanese culture. In addition, we will see practical tips for memorizing it and examples of usage that can assist in your learning.

The meaning and usage of 賢い

The word 賢い[かしこい] is a Japanese adjective that means "intelligent," "wise," or "clever." Unlike other words that also relate to intelligence, such as 頭がいい[あたまがいい], it carries a broader nuance, indicating both academic knowledge and practical cleverness. For example, someone who creatively solves a problem can be described as 賢い.

In daily life, Japanese people use this word to praise children who learn quickly, colleagues who make good decisions, or even animals that demonstrate impressive skills. It is common to hear it in educational and professional contexts, but also in more relaxed situations, such as when someone finds a clever solution to an everyday problem.

The origin and writing in kanji

The kanji for 賢い is 賢, composed of the radicals 貝 (shell, associated with value) and 臣 (servant, subordinate). Originally, this character was connected to the idea of "valorous" or "competent," later evolving to its current meaning of "intelligent." This etymology reinforces the notion that wisdom and practical skill are interconnected in Japanese culture.

It is worth noting that 賢い is not a rare word, but it is also not among the most common in basic vocabulary. It appears regularly in intermediate and advanced study materials, as well as being quite used in narratives involving clever or strategic characters, such as in manga and dramas.

Tips for memorizing and using 賢い

An effective way to solidify 賢い is to associate it with real situations where practical intelligence stands out. For example, imagine a cat that learns to open doors by itself – the Japanese might say that it is 賢い. This imagery helps to reinforce not only the meaning but also the nuance of the word.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as "彼は賢い学生です" (He is an intelligent student) or "その犬は本当に賢いね" (That dog is really smart). Repeating these examples out loud or writing them down on flashcards can speed up the learning process. If you use Suki Nihongo, our dictionary offers even more contextualized examples to enrich your study.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

利口な (rikouna) - Intelligent, cunning
知恵がある (chie ga aru) - Has wisdom
賢明な (kenmeina) - Wise, sensible
賢い (kashikoi) - Intelligent, clever, can indicate practical skill
賢明な賢い (kenmeina kashikoi) - Intelligent and at the same time wise, indicating a high level of discernment.