1The ability to use good judgment and practical understanding—often gained through experience—to solve problems or make wise decisions; also used for cleverness or resourcefulness.
年配の人の知恵を借りて、問題を解決した。
We solved the problem by drawing on the wisdom of an older person.
子供は遊びながら知恵を身につけていく。
Children develop wisdom and cleverness through play.
いくら知恵を絞っても、いい案が浮かばなかった。
No matter how hard I racked my brains, I couldn't come up with a good idea.
おばあちゃんの知恵で、シミがきれいに落ちた。
Thanks to Grandma's know-how, the stain came out completely.
2In Buddhism, prajna—the profound insight that perceives truth and leads to enlightenment. In this sense the word is usually written 智慧.
般若心経は智慧の完成について説く経典だ。
The Heart Sutra is a scripture that teaches the perfection of wisdom (prajna).
僧侶は瞑想を通じて智慧を深めようとした。
The monk sought to deepen his wisdom (prajna) through meditation.