智 (zhì) - Wisdom, intelligence, knowledge & clever, astute

智Tone 4

zhì ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

志

智 · zhì

Wisdom, intelligence, knowledge;

clever, astute;

refers to intellectual ability and mental acuity.

Wisdom, intelligence, knowledgeclever, astuterefers to intellectual ability and mental acuity.

Usage highlights

WisdomIntelligence quotientArtificial intelligenceIntellectualWisdom toothResourcefulness

Synonyms

  • 慧— wisdom, intelligence (more intuitive wisdom)
  • 聪— clever, quick-witted
  • 明— bright, clear-sighted

Antonyms

  • 愚— foolish, stupid
  • 笨— dull, clumsy
  • 蠢— stupid, silly

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Artificial intelligence(人工智能)
  • He is very intelligent (他很聪明).
  • Wisdom and courage(智勇)
  • Intellectual property rights(知识产权)

Collocations

  • Wisdom(智慧)
  • Intelligence quotient(智商)
  • Artificial intelligence(人工智能)
  • Intellectual(知识分子)
  • Wisdom tooth(智齿)
  • Resourcefulness(机智)

Idioms

  • Wisdom emerges from difficulties(急中生智)
  • The wise man thinks of the future(智者千虑)
  • Use wisdom to win(智取)
  • Great wisdom appears foolish(大智若愚)
  • Outwit someone with superior strategy(智胜一筹)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Highly valued in Confucian tradition as one of the fundamental virtues alongside benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and trustworthiness.
  • In Buddhism, 'prajna' is often translated as 智慧, representing transcendental wisdom beyond ordinary knowledge.
  • Traditionally associated with scholars, strategists, and wise rulers throughout Chinese history.

FAQ