机智

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 他机智地化解了危机。▶ —
   He resolved the crisis with quick wit.
2. 她回答得很机智。▶ —
   She answered very wittily.

Collocations

Mnemonic

机 jī "opportunity, mechanism" + 智 zhì "wisdom": applying wisdom to the moment, i.e. quick-witted, resourceful. Same as the Korean word gi-ji (機智). The positive cleverness of improvising in a crisis. Unlike 精明 (shrewd, calculating), 机智 is closer to quick wit and is positive. 机 is the 机 of 时机 and 机会 ("opportunity").

Related

Quick check

1. What does 机智 mean?

   • quick wit in handling a crisis
   • slow and dull
   • cowardice
   • laziness