Translation guide
The ability to think and respond quickly and cleverly, especially in conversation or unexpected situations.
Describing someone who is mentally agile and can come up with clever responses on the spot.
Refers to quick-wittedness in the sense of resourcefulness and the ability to adapt one's thinking rapidly. Often used in phrases like 機転が利く.
彼は機転が利くので、どんな状況でもうまく対応できる。
He is quick-witted, so he can handle any situation well.
Literally 'head rotation is fast', this is a very common way to say someone is quick-witted or sharp-minded.
彼女は頭の回転が速くて、冗談にもすぐ気づく。
She is quick-witted and catches on to jokes immediately.
Wit or cleverness, often associated with the ability to solve problems or puzzles in a clever, unexpected way. Famously associated with the historical figure Ikkyuu-san.
彼の頓知のある答えにみんなが笑った。
Everyone laughed at his witty answer.
Wit, especially in conversation; the ability to say clever and amusing things. Slightly more formal or literary than 機転.
彼のスピーチは機知に富んでいて、聴衆を魅了した。
His speech was full of wit and captivated the audience.
To retort or reply instantly and cleverly. Emphasizes the speed of the comeback.
彼はどんな質問にも即座に切り返すことができる。
He can instantly retort to any question.
Emphasizing resourcefulness and the ability to think on one's feet to get out of trouble or solve problems.
To use one's quick wits; to act resourcefully in a pinch.
彼は機転を利かせて、ピンチを切り抜けた。
He used his quick wits and got out of the tight spot.
To respond flexibly and appropriately to changing circumstances. A very common phrase for adaptable, quick thinking.
この仕事では、臨機応変に対応する能力が求められる。
This job requires the ability to think on your feet and adapt.
Resourcefulness or stratagem; implies clever planning and quick thinking, often in a strategic context. Somewhat formal.
彼の機略によって、チームは勝利を収めた。
Thanks to his resourcefulness, the team achieved victory.
Focusing on the speed of comprehension and the ability to engage in witty banter.
Literally 'swallowing is fast', meaning someone catches on quickly, is a fast learner, or understands things immediately.
彼女は飲み込みが早いから、説明が楽だ。
She's quick on the uptake, so explaining things is easy.
A sharp, clever person; someone with a keen mind. Often used for people who are not only intelligent but also shrewd.
彼はなかなかの切れ者で、交渉がうまい。
He's quite a sharp person and is good at negotiating.
Quick and agile, both physically and mentally. Can describe quick-wittedness but is less common in daily conversation.
機転 (きてん) emphasizes practical resourcefulness and adaptability in unexpected situations, while 機知 (きち) focuses more on verbal wit and clever humor. 機転 is more common in everyday speech.
Japanese often uses phrases with 頭 (あたま, head) to describe mental quickness, such as 頭の回転が速い (quick-witted) or 頭が切れる (sharp-minded). These are very natural and common.
彼の俊敏な判断が事故を防いだ。
His quick judgment prevented the accident.