Definition
机灵 (jī ling) describes someone (or an animal) who is quick-witted and alert, responding fast with a lively intelligence. It's more about natural cleverness and agility than the resourceful cunning of 机智 (jī zhì) or the shrewdness for personal gain in 精明 (jīng míng). Use 机灵 for a person's natural sharpness and for playful animals.
adjective
cleversmartquick-witted
Examples
- 机灵，。Zhège xiǎo péngyou zhēn jī ling, yíxià zi jiù cāi dào le dá'àn.This child is really clever — he guessed the answer right away.
- 机灵。jī ling de xiǎo gǒu néng xuéhuì hěn duō xiǎo bǎxì.A quick-witted little dog can learn many small tricks.
- 机灵，。Tā zuò shì hěn jī ling, zǒng yòng zuì kuài de bànfǎ.She is very smart about getting things done and always uses the quickest method.
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