Intellectual in Different Languages
Discover 'Intellectual' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.
Updated on March 6, 2024
The word intellectual holds a significant place in our vocabulary, representing the realm of ideas, knowledge, and critical thinking. It is a term that transcends cultural boundaries, highlighting the importance of intellectual pursuits in various societies around the world.
Throughout history, intellectuals have played a crucial role in shaping cultures, driving innovation, and challenging the status quo. From ancient Greek philosophers to modern-day scientists, these individuals have left an indelible mark on human civilization, demonstrating the power of curiosity, creativity, and rational thought.
Understanding the translation of the word intellectual in different languages can provide valuable insights into how various cultures view knowledge and intelligence. For instance, in Spanish, the word for intellectual is intelectual, while in German, it is Intellektueller. In Mandarin Chinese, the term for intellectual is 智力 (zhìlì), and in Japanese, it is 知的 (chiteki).
By exploring the many translations of this word, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the global community of thinkers and scholars who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of intellectualism and the many languages that help define it.
Intellectual
Intellectual in Sub-Saharan African Languages
| Afrikaans | intellektueel | ||
| The Afrikaans word "intellektueel" can also refer to a person who is regarded as a public intellectual or thought leader. | |||
| Amharic | ምሁራዊ | ||
| The word "ምሁራዊ" (intellectual) is derived from the verb "ምሁር" (to study, learn), and is also used to describe someone who is wise or knowledgeable. | |||
| Hausa | mai hankali | ||
| The Hausa word 'mai hankali' can also refer to someone with good judgment or a wise person. | |||
| Igbo | ọgụgụ isi | ||
| The Igbo word "ọgụgụ isi" also means "the act of reading and writing", highlighting the importance of literacy in Igbo culture. | |||
| Malagasy | ara-tsaina | ||
| In Malagasy, "ara-tsaina" originally referred to learned or wise people, particularly those who excelled in public speaking or oratory. | |||
| Nyanja (Chichewa) | waluntha | ||
| "Waluntha" is possibly derived from the Proto-Bantu root *-lund-* meaning "to speak, say". | |||
| Shona | njere | ||
| "Njere" in Shona can also refer to a wise person, a seer, or an elder. | |||
| Somali | indheer garad ah | ||
| The term "indheer garad ah" has a literal meaning of "deep thought" in Somali. | |||
| Sesotho | kelello | ||
| The word "kelello" in Sesotho can also mean "cleverness" or "skill". | |||
| Swahili | kiakili | ||
| "Kiakili" also means "the mind" in Swahili. | |||
| Xhosa | ngokwasengqondweni | ||
| "Ngqokwasengqondweni" literally means an individual who is in possession of "uQokwasengqondweni" which is intellectual ability and is typically used to acknowledge someone who is knowledgeable. | |||
| Yoruba | ọgbọn | ||
| Ọgbọn also refers to the esoteric knowledge associated with the Ifa oracle and other traditional Yoruba belief systems. | |||
| Zulu | ubuhlakani | ||
| The Zulu word 'ubuhlakani' can also refer to 'wisdom', 'astuteness' or 'knowledge of ancient laws' | |||
| Bambara | mɔgɔ kalannen | ||
| Ewe | nunyala | ||
| Kinyarwanda | abanyabwenge | ||
| Lingala | moto ya mayele | ||
| Luganda | yintelekicho | ||
| Sepedi | -bohlale | ||
| Twi (Akan) | nwomanimni | ||
Intellectual in North African & Middle Eastern Languages
| Arabic | ذهني | ||
| The word "ذهني" (intellectual) in Arabic derives from the root word "ذهن" (mind), which also carries the meanings of "memory", "intelligence", and "consciousness" in the language. | |||
| Hebrew | אִינטֶלֶקְטוּאַלִי | ||
| אִינטֶלֶקְטוּאַלִי, like many other Modern Hebrew words for concepts, is a borrowing from European languages (in this case, from Russian), and was not derived from Biblical Hebrew. | |||
| Pashto | عقلي | ||
| The Pashto word 'عقلي' is derived from the Arabic word 'عقل', which means 'mind' or 'intellect'. | |||
| Arabic | ذهني | ||
| The word "ذهني" (intellectual) in Arabic derives from the root word "ذهن" (mind), which also carries the meanings of "memory", "intelligence", and "consciousness" in the language. | |||
Intellectual in Western European Languages
| Albanian | intelektual | ||
| The word "intelektual" is derived from the Latin word "intellectus", meaning "understanding" or "knowledge". | |||
| Basque | intelektuala | ||
| The Basque word "intelektuala" is derived from the Latin word "intellectualis", which means "pertaining to the intellect". In Basque, the word can also be used to refer to a person who is intelligent or educated. | |||
| Catalan | intel · lectual | ||
| In Catalan, "intel - lectual" (pronounced "intel - ləkt - u - al") can also mean "scholarly" or "pertaining to the intellect." | |||
| Croatian | intelektualni | ||
| The Croatian word "intelektualni" not only means "intellectual", but also "rational" and "logical". | |||
| Danish | intellektuel | ||
| The Danish word "intellektuel" can also refer to a person with a high level of education who is not necessarily engaged in intellectual pursuits. | |||
| Dutch | intellectueel | ||
| It is sometimes used as a noun for members of academic staff at Dutch universities which may not necessarily be intellectuals. | |||
| English | intellectual | ||
| "Intellectual" originally referred to someone who worked in the intellect industry, i.e. someone with a high level of education or expertise, but it has also been used in a more colloquial sense to mean someone who is especially interested in ideas and theories. | |||
| French | intellectuel | ||
| In French, 'intellectuel' can also refer to a left-wing or progressive thinker. | |||
| Frisian | yntellektueel | ||
| The word "yntellektueel" in Frisian also has the alternate meaning of "wise" or "knowledgeable". | |||
| Galician | intelectual | ||
| In Galician, "intelectual" can also mean "intellectual person" or "educated person". | |||
| German | intellektuell | ||
| The word "intellektuell" can also mean "spiritual" or someone involved in "intellectual pursuits". | |||
| Icelandic | vitrænn | ||
| Vitrænn was also used in the Old Norse period to describe a seer or one with the second sight; this meaning is obsolete in modern Icelandic. | |||
| Irish | intleachtúil | ||
| The Irish word "intleachtúil" derives from the Latin "intellectus", meaning "understanding" or "knowledge" | |||
| Italian | intellettuale | ||
| The word "intellettuale" in Italian also means "well-educated" or "thoughtful". | |||
| Luxembourgish | intellektuell | ||
| In Luxembourgish, the word "intellektuell" can also mean "intellectual property". | |||
| Maltese | intellettwali | ||
| The word "intellettwali" is derived from the Italian word "intellettuale" which in turn is derived from the Latin word "intellectus", meaning "understanding" or "knowledge". | |||
| Norwegian | intellektuell | ||
| "Intellektuell" is the Norwegian form of the French word "intellectuel," which is the modern version of the Latin word "intellectualis" | |||
| Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil) | intelectual | ||
| In Portuguese, “intelectual” is often used to refer to a “professor” or an “academic”. | |||
| Scots Gaelic | inntleachdail | ||
| The word "inntleachdail" (intellectual) derives from Latin "intellectus" (understanding) and "intelligere" (to understand). | |||
| Spanish | intelectual | ||
| The Spanish word "intelectual" can also refer to a member of the intellectual elite or a person who uses their intellect for the greater good. | |||
| Swedish | intellektuell | ||
| Intellektuell, a loanword from German, initially carried the connotation of "rationalist" in Swedish. | |||
| Welsh | deallusol | ||
| The Welsh word 'deallusol' also means 'intelligent' in English. | |||
Intellectual in Eastern European Languages
| Belarusian | інтэлектуальны | ||
| Bosnian | intelektualni | ||
| The word "intelektualni" can also be used to describe someone who is well-educated and knowledgeable, or who has a high level of intelligence or understanding. | |||
| Bulgarian | интелектуална | ||
| The Bulgarian word "интелектуална" also means "intelligent". | |||
| Czech | intelektuální | ||
| In Czech, the word "intelektuální" can also mean "high-brow" or "academic", indicating a preference for intellectual pursuits and theories. | |||
| Estonian | intellektuaalne | ||
| In Estonian, "intellektuaalne" can also mean "intelligent" or "intellectualized" | |||
| Finnish | älyllinen | ||
| The word "älyllinen" also means "intelligent" and derives from the word "äly", meaning "intelligence" or "mind". | |||
| Hungarian | szellemi | ||
| "Szellemi" comes from "szellem", which also means "spirit" in addition to "mind". | |||
| Latvian | intelektuāls | ||
| In Latvian, "intelektuāls" can also refer to people engaged in intellectual work or the intelligentsia. | |||
| Lithuanian | intelektualus | ||
| The word "intelektualus" in Lithuanian derives from the Latin word "intellectus", meaning "understanding" or "reason". | |||
| Macedonian | интелектуалец | ||
| The Macedonian word "интелектуалец" derives from the Latin word "intellectus", meaning "understanding". In Macedonian, it also has the alternate meaning of "a person who is well-educated and knowledgeable about a particular subject". | |||
| Polish | intelektualny | ||
| In Russian, 'intelektualnyi' can also mean 'relating to intellect', while in Polish, its Polish cognate 'inteligentny' can mean both 'intelligent' and 'well-mannered'. | |||
| Romanian | intelectual | ||
| In Romanian, "intelectual" can also mean "smart" or "clever". | |||
| Russian | интеллектуальный | ||
| The Russian word "интеллектуальный" also has the alternate meaning of "intelligentsia". | |||
| Serbian | интелектуални | ||
| The term 'интелектуални' can also be used to describe something that requires or displays a high level of mental ability or discernment. | |||
| Slovak | intelektuálne | ||
| The word "intelektuálne" in Slovak can also refer to a person who works in the field of intellectual property. | |||
| Slovenian | intelektualna | ||
| The Slovenian word "intelektualna" originates from the Latin word "intellectualis", which means "relating to the intellect or the mind". | |||
| Ukrainian | інтелектуальна | ||
| The word "інтелектуальна" (intellectual) in Ukrainian is derived from the Latin word "intellectus" (understanding), and can also mean "rational" or "reasonable". | |||
Intellectual in South Asian Languages
| Bengali | বৌদ্ধিক | ||
| A colloquial alternate meaning of "বৌদ্ধিক" is "nerd" or "geek." | |||
| Gujarati | બૌદ્ધિક | ||
| From the Sanskrit word बुद्धि (buddhi), meaning "understanding" or "intellect," and refers to a person with a high level of understanding and knowledge. | |||
| Hindi | बौद्धिक | ||
| The word "बौद्धिक" in Hindi derives from the Sanskrit word "बुद्धि" (buddhi), meaning "intellect" or "understanding". | |||
| Kannada | ಬೌದ್ಧಿಕ | ||
| The Kannada word "ಬೌದ್ಧಿಕ" is derived from the Sanskrit word "बौद्धिक" ("buddhikam"), meaning "related to the intellect" or "pertaining to knowledge or reason". | |||
| Malayalam | ബൗദ്ധിക | ||
| 'ബൗദ്ധിക' is cognate to 'Buddhi' (Sanskrit), meaning intellect or understanding. | |||
| Marathi | बौद्धिक | ||
| "बौद्धिक" can also mean "philosopher" or "scholar" in some contexts | |||
| Nepali | बौद्धिक | ||
| The word 'बौद्धिक' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'बुद्धि', which means 'intellect' or 'understanding'. | |||
| Punjabi | ਬੌਧਿਕ | ||
| The word 'ਬੌਧਿਕ' comes from the Sanskrit word 'बौद्धिक' meaning 'pertaining to understanding', which is in turn derived from the word 'बुद्धि' meaning 'intellect' or 'understanding'. | |||
| Sinhala (Sinhalese) | බුද්ධිමය | ||
| The Sinhala word "බුද්ධිමය" can also refer to "enlightenment" or "wisdom" in a religious context. | |||
| Tamil | அறிவுசார் | ||
| Telugu | మేధావి | ||
| The word "మేధావి" is derived from the Sanskrit root "medha," meaning "intellect" or "wisdom." | |||
| Urdu | دانشور | ||
| The word “دانشور” derives from Persian and, depending on context, can refer to a scholar, philosopher, wise person or even physician. | |||
Intellectual in East Asian Languages
| Chinese (Simplified) | 知识分子 | ||
| Chinese philosopher Hu Shih coined the term in 1919, combining "knowledgeable" and "molecule" to signify a person who could use scientific methods to understand the world | |||
| Chinese (Traditional) | 知識分子 | ||
| The term was coined in the early 20th century by Chinese scholars as a translation of the Western term "intellectual," but it later took on a broader meaning, encompassing both intellectuals and the educated elite. | |||
| Japanese | 知的 | ||
| "知的" is commonly used in a narrow sense and refers to human intelligence in Japanese. | |||
| Korean | 지적인 | ||
| The word "지적인" shares its roots with the Chinese word "知", meaning "knowledge". The word is used to describe not only those who work with complex ideas but also those who are learned. | |||
| Mongolian | оюуны | ||
| The word оюуны derives from оюун (thought), originally meaning a person with an оюун or a good mind. | |||
| Myanmar (Burmese) | အသိပညာ | ||
| The term can also refer to someone who is proficient in a particular field or subject. | |||
Intellectual in South East Asian Languages
| Indonesian | intelektual | ||
| The word "intelektual" is derived from the Latin word "intellectus", meaning "understanding" or "knowledge". | |||
| Javanese | intelektual | ||
| In Javanese, the word "intelektual" also refers to a person who is a source of knowledge or wisdom, such as a teacher or elder. | |||
| Khmer | បញ្ញា | ||
| The word "បញ្ញា" derives from Sanskrit and means not only "intelligence" but also "wisdom" and "knowledge" | |||
| Lao | ສິນທາງປັນຍາ | ||
| Malay | intelektual | ||
| "Intelektual" (intellectual) derives from the Latin "intellectus" (understanding), which also gave rise to the Malay word "akal" (reason). | |||
| Thai | ปัญญาชน | ||
| The word "ปัญญาชน" (intellectual) in Thai can also refer to a person who is knowledgeable, wise, or educated. | |||
| Vietnamese | trí thức | ||
| The word "trí thức" in Vietnamese derives from the Chinese word "知識", meaning "knowledge" or "wisdom". It can also refer to a person who has acquired extensive knowledge or expertise in a particular field. | |||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | intelektwal | ||
Intellectual in Central Asian Languages
| Azerbaijani | intellektual | ||
| The word "intellektual" in Azerbaijani is derived from the French word "intellectuel" and is synonymous with the Russian word "интеллигент" (intelligentsia). | |||
| Kazakh | интеллектуалды | ||
| Kyrgyz | интеллектуалдык | ||
| The word | |||
| Tajik | зиёӣ | ||
| The word "зиёӣ" in Tajik is ultimately derived from the Arabic "ziya'a", meaning "brilliance" or "light", and is related to the Persian word "zaya", also meaning "light" or "brightness." | |||
| Turkmen | intellektual | ||
| Uzbek | intellektual | ||
| Интеллектуал (intellektual) в узбекском языке также означает «человек с широким кругозором». | |||
| Uyghur | زىيالىي | ||
Intellectual in Pacific Languages
| Hawaiian | ʻepekema | ||
| In addition to its primary meaning, ʻepekema can also refer to a book or a clever or sly person. | |||
| Maori | hinengaro | ||
| Hinengaro, derived from "hine" (female) and "aro" (face), originally referred to female chiefs exhibiting great intelligence or leadership qualities. | |||
| Samoan | atamai | ||
| The word "atamai" in Samoan also refers to a person who is clever or resourceful. | |||
| Tagalog (Filipino) | intelektuwal | ||
| The Tagalog word "intelektuwal" can also refer to a person who is clever or intelligent. | |||
Intellectual in American Indigenous Languages
| Aymara | amuykaya | ||
| Guarani | iñarandúva | ||
Intellectual in International Languages
| Esperanto | intelektulo | ||
| The word "intelektulo" also means "intellectual worker" or "member of the intelligentsia" in Esperanto. | |||
| Latin | intellectualis | ||
| In Latin, "intellectualis" also denotes something "relating to perception or discernment". | |||
Intellectual in Others Languages
| Greek | διανοούμενος | ||
| "Διανοούμενος" is the Greek rendering of Latin "intelligentsia", coined in 1890s to describe a social class in Tsarist Russia. | |||
| Hmong | kev txawj ntse | ||
| "Kev txawj ntse" is also used to refer to someone who has the ability to write or read books or documents. | |||
| Kurdish | rewşenbîr | ||
| The term "rewşenbîr" in Kurdish originally referred to a "village elder" or "village chief." | |||
| Turkish | entelektüel | ||
| "Entelektuel" sözcüğü Arapçada akıl veya idrak anlamına gelen "akl" kökünden türemiştir. | |||
| Xhosa | ngokwasengqondweni | ||
| "Ngqokwasengqondweni" literally means an individual who is in possession of "uQokwasengqondweni" which is intellectual ability and is typically used to acknowledge someone who is knowledgeable. | |||
| Yiddish | אינטעלעקטועל | ||
| "אינטעלעקטועל" (intellectual) is Yiddish for "intellectual" and also connotes someone who engages in "high-flown" speech or behavior. | |||
| Zulu | ubuhlakani | ||
| The Zulu word 'ubuhlakani' can also refer to 'wisdom', 'astuteness' or 'knowledge of ancient laws' | |||
| Assamese | বুদ্ধিমান | ||
| Aymara | amuykaya | ||
| Bhojpuri | बुद्धिजीवी | ||
| Dhivehi | ބުއްދީގެ ގޮތުން | ||
| Dogri | बचारक | ||
| Filipino (Tagalog) | intelektwal | ||
| Guarani | iñarandúva | ||
| Ilocano | intelektual | ||
| Krio | pɔsin wit sɛns | ||
| Kurdish (Sorani) | هزریی | ||
| Maithili | बुद्धिजीवी | ||
| Meiteilon (Manipuri) | ꯋꯥꯈꯜ ꯂꯩꯕ ꯃꯤ | ||
| Mizo | mifing | ||
| Oromo | hayyuu | ||
| Odia (Oriya) | ବ intellectual ଦ୍ଧିକ | ||
| Quechua | yachaq | ||
| Sanskrit | बुद्धिजीवी | ||
| Tatar | интеллектуаль | ||
| Tigrinya | ምሁራዊ | ||
| Tsonga | vutlharhi | ||