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智能 (zhì néng) — (noun) intelligence; (adjective) smart, intelligent

Definition

智能 highlights built-in capability of a system or device (智能手机). For human cleverness, use 聪明 (everyday) or 智慧 (deeper wisdom).

noun
intelligence
adjective
smartintelligent

Examples

  • 智能。
    Xiàn zài hěn duō rén dōu yòng zhì néng shǒu jī.
    Many people use smartphones nowadays.
  • 。
    Rén gōng zhì néng shì yí gè zhòng yào de lǐng yù.
    Artificial intelligence is an important field.
  • 智能。
    Zhè ge zhì néng jiā tíng xì tǒng hěn fāng biàn.
    This smart home system is very convenient.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

智zhìwisdom
能néngability

智 and 能 join wisdom and ability, giving intelligence or being smart.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The early form 智 used 大 (adult), 口 (mouth), and 子 (child): an adult speaking to pass knowledge to a child.

Open 智 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

能 is an old picture of a bear, showing two paws and a face with an open mouth.

Open 能 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 5HSK 2.0 Level 6Technology & Engineering

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