1.
perception, sensitivity, tact, intuition
The ability to sense or understand others' feelings, situations, or unspoken intentions without being told directly. A key concept in Japanese interpersonal communication.
察しがいい人だ。
That person is perceptive.
察しが悪くて、相手の気持ちに気づけなかった。
I was insensitive and couldn't notice the other person's feelings.
日本では言葉にしなくても察しで通じることが多い。
In Japan, things are often communicated through unspoken understanding rather than words.
察し is the noun form of 察する (to sense, to perceive). It describes the ability to read between the lines and understand what is not explicitly stated.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 察しがいい (perceptive, quick to pick up on things)
- 察しが悪い (insensitive, slow to pick up on things)
- 察しがつく (to be able to guess/sense)
- お察しします (I can imagine how you feel — polite expression of empathy)
CULTURAL NOTE:
察し is considered a core aspect of Japanese communication style. Japanese culture places high value on being able to understand others' feelings and intentions without explicit verbal expression. Being described as 察しがいい is a significant compliment, while 察しが悪い can be a pointed criticism.