知力(ちりょく)

ちりょく
noun
intellect; mental ability; brainpower
1. intellect; mental ability; brainpower; intellectual power
The power or capacity of the mind to think, reason, and understand. Refers to cognitive ability as a resource or strength.
知力(ちりょく)と体力(たいりょく)が必要(ひつよう)だ。
Both brainpower and physical strength are needed.
知力(ちりょく)を尽(つ)くして問題(もんだい)を解決(かいけつ)した。
I solved the problem using all my intellectual power.
この仕事(しごと)は知力(ちりょく)だけでなく、人(ひと)とうまくやっていく力(ちから)も求(もと)められる。
This job requires not just intellect but also the ability to get along with people.

Composed of 知(ち) (wisdom/knowledge) + 力(りょく) (power/ability). Often used in contrast with 体力(たいりょく) (physical strength) to describe the two fundamental human capacities. Common in discussions about education, competition, and personal development.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 知力(ちりょく)と体力(たいりょく): brains and brawn
  • 知力(ちりょく)を鍛(きた)える: to train one's intellect
  • 知力(ちりょく)を尽(つ)くす: to exhaust one's mental resources
  • 知力(ちりょく)勝負(しょうぶ): a battle of wits

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 知性(ちせい): intelligence — more refined, emphasizes cultivated intellect
  • 頭脳(ずのう): brain/mind — can refer to a person with a sharp mind
  • 知恵(ちえ): wisdom — practical wisdom or cleverness, not raw mental power
  • 学力(がくりょく): academic ability — specifically school-related knowledge
general
Added 2026.4.6 3:28
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