When you want to describe someone who is smart or clever, the Italian word you need is intelligente. This word is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. So, if you're talking about a smart boy, you would say un ragazzo intelligente. If it's a smart girl, you would say una ragazza intelligente. Good news! Intelligente works for both masculine and feminine nouns, and even for plural nouns (e.g., ragazzi intelligenti).
When you want to describe someone who is smart or clever, the Italian word you need is intelligente. This is an adjective, so it describes a noun, usually a person. Think of it like saying 'intelligent' in English.
For example, you could say 'Mio fratello è molto intelligente,' which means 'My brother is very intelligent.' Or if you're talking about a quick learner, you might say 'La mia amica è intelligente e impara velocemente,' meaning 'My friend is intelligent and learns quickly.'
It's a straightforward word to use and can describe both people and even sometimes ideas or solutions that show smart thinking.
When you're describing someone who is smart or clever, the Italian word you need is intelligente. This is an adjective, and it means 'intelligent' or 'clever' in English. It's a really useful word because you can use it for both people and sometimes even for animals or a clever idea. For example, you can say 'È un ragazzo intelligente' which means 'He is an intelligent boy'.
When you're at the B2 level in Italian, you're moving beyond basic descriptions. Using words like "intelligente" becomes natural for expressing more nuanced observations about people or even abstract concepts.
At this stage, you understand that adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify, and "intelligente" is a good example of an adjective that works for both masculine and feminine nouns, changing only for singular and plural.
You're also likely encountering more complex sentence structures where "intelligente" might appear in clauses or comparisons, not just simple statements.
Practicing with such common and versatile adjectives helps solidify your understanding of Italian grammar and makes your conversations more fluent and expressive.
When you're describing someone who is intelligente, you're saying they're smart or clever. This isn't just about book smarts; it can also refer to someone who is quick-witted, perceptive, or able to understand complex ideas easily. Think of it like someone who can solve problems efficiently or grasp new concepts without much difficulty. It's a versatile word used to praise mental acuity.
- Italian Word
- intelligente (adjective)
- CEFR Level
- B2
- Definition
- Having or showing intelligence.
§ How to use 'intelligente' in a sentence
Alright, let's get straight to it. 'Intelligente' is an adjective in Italian, and like many Italian adjectives, its form changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. However, 'intelligente' is a bit special. It's what we call an adjective of the second class, meaning it has the same ending for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. For plural, it changes to 'intelligenti' for both masculine and feminine.
Let's see some examples so you can really get the hang of it.
Maria è una studentessa molto intelligente.
- Translation Hint
- Maria is a very intelligent student.
Luca è un ragazzo intelligente e simpatico.
- Translation Hint
- Luca is an intelligent and nice boy.
Le nuove tecnologie rendono i nostri dispositivi più intelligenti.
- Translation Hint
- New technologies make our devices more intelligent.
Le tue idee sono sempre molto intelligenti.
- Translation Hint
- Your ideas are always very intelligent.
§ Placement of 'intelligente'
In Italian, adjectives usually come AFTER the noun they modify. 'Intelligente' follows this rule most of the time. You'll hear "un ragazzo intelligente" (an intelligent boy) much more often than "un intelligente ragazzo". While placing the adjective before the noun can sometimes add emphasis or a poetic touch, stick to placing it after the noun for natural-sounding speech.
§ 'Intelligente' with adverbs
You can use adverbs to intensify or modify 'intelligente'. Common adverbs include:
- Molto: very (e.g., molto intelligente - very intelligent)
- Abbastanza: quite/rather (e.g., abbastanza intelligente - quite intelligent)
- Veramente: really (e.g., veramente intelligente - really intelligent)
- Estremamente: extremely (e.g., estremamente intelligente - extremely intelligent)
Il tuo piano è stato molto intelligente.
- Translation Hint
- Your plan was very intelligent.
Credo che la sua decisione sia stata abbastanza intelligente.
- Translation Hint
- I believe her decision was quite intelligent.
§ Prepositions with 'intelligente'
'Intelligente' usually doesn't require a specific preposition when describing a person or a thing directly. However, you might use prepositions in broader sentence structures where 'intelligente' is part of a larger clause or phrase. For instance, if you're talking about being intelligent *at* something, you might use 'in'.
È intelligente in matematica.
- Translation Hint
- He/She is intelligent in mathematics.
But generally, you'll find 'intelligente' standing on its own, directly modifying the noun it describes. Don't overthink prepositions with this one unless it's part of a more complex phrase.
Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll be using 'intelligente' like a native in no time!
§ What 'intelligente' means
- Definition
- Having or showing intelligence.
§ Using 'intelligente' in sentences
Maria è una ragazza intelligente.
Quel cane è molto intelligente, impara subito i trucchi.
Ha dato una risposta davvero intelligente alla domanda.
§ Similar words and when to use them
- Sveglio/a
- This means 'awake' or 'alert,' but it's often used informally to mean 'smart' or 'quick-witted,' especially when someone is sharp and responsive. It suggests more of a practical, ready-for-anything kind of intelligence.
Quel bambino è molto sveglio per la sua età.
That child is very bright/alert for his age. - Furbo/a
- 'Furbo' translates to 'cunning' or 'sly.' It implies a cleverness that is often used to one's advantage, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation of being tricky or outsmarting others. It's not about academic intelligence, but street smarts.
È stato molto furbo a trovare quella soluzione.
He was very cunning/clever to find that solution. - Geniale
- This means 'ingenious' or 'brilliant.' You use this when someone's intelligence is truly exceptional, showing great originality or inventiveness. It's a step up from just 'intelligente.'
Quella è un'idea geniale!
That's a brilliant idea! - Accorto/a
- 'Accorto' means 'shrewd' or 'astute.' It suggests a practical intelligence combined with careful judgment and foresight, especially in business or difficult situations. Someone 'accorto' is wise and careful.
L'imprenditore era molto accorto nei suoi investimenti.
The entrepreneur was very shrewd/astute in his investments.
§ The takeaway
- Use 'sveglio' for someone quick-witted or alert.
- Use 'furbo' for someone who is cleverly strategic, but be aware of the possible sly connotation.
- Use 'geniale' for truly exceptional, brilliant intelligence.
- Use 'accorto' for practical, shrewd wisdom, especially in careful decision-making.
How Formal Is It?
"Il professore ha fornito un'analisi sagace della situazione. (The professor provided a shrewd/sagacious analysis of the situation.)"
"Quella è una soluzione molto intelligente. (That is a very intelligent solution.)"
"Sei proprio sveglio a capire subito! (You're really sharp to understand right away!)"
"Sei un bambino bravo e che capisce tutto! (You are a good and understanding child!)"
"Quell'idea è da genio! (That idea is genius!)"
Exemples par niveau
È una persona molto intelligente, capisce subito le cose.
He/She is a very intelligent person, understands things immediately.
La sua idea è stata davvero intelligente e ha risolto il problema.
His/Her idea was truly intelligent and solved the problem.
Gli animali domestici possono essere sorprendentemente intelligenti.
Pets can be surprisingly intelligent.
Per questo lavoro cerchiamo qualcuno di intelligente e proattivo.
For this job we are looking for someone intelligent and proactive.
Pensavo che la soluzione fosse più difficile, ma tu sei stato intelligente a trovarla così in fretta.
I thought the solution was more difficult, but you were intelligent to find it so quickly.
È intelligente non solo nei libri, ma anche nella vita pratica.
He/She is intelligent not only in books, but also in practical life.
Hanno fatto una scelta molto intelligente per il futuro della loro azienda.
They made a very intelligent choice for the future of their company.
Non è solo brava, ma anche molto intelligente nel gestire le situazioni difficili.
She is not only good, but also very intelligent in managing difficult situations.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
È una ragazza molto intelligente.
She is a very intelligent girl.
Hai fatto una mossa intelligente.
You made an intelligent move.
La soluzione è stata molto intelligente.
The solution was very intelligent.
È un cane incredibilmente intelligente.
He is an incredibly intelligent dog.
Credo che sia una persona intelligente.
I believe he is an intelligent person.
Hanno trovato un modo intelligente per risolvere il problema.
They found an intelligent way to solve the problem.
La tua idea è davvero intelligente.
Your idea is truly intelligent.
Per fare questo lavoro, devi essere intelligente.
To do this job, you need to be intelligent.
È stato un commento molto intelligente.
It was a very intelligent comment.
Un approccio più intelligente è necessario.
A more intelligent approach is necessary.
Comment l'utiliser
Use intelligente to describe people, animals, or even actions and decisions that demonstrate cleverness or good sense. It's an adjective that can be used for both masculine and feminine nouns, singular and plural.
A common mistake for English speakers is trying to make it agree with gender by saying 'intelligento' or 'intelligenta'. Remember, intelligente ends in 'e' for both masculine and feminine singular, and 'i' for both masculine and feminine plural (e.g., ragazzi intelligenti, ragazze intelligenti).
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsThe word for 'intelligent' in Italian is intelligente. It's an adjective.
That's a good question! Intelligente is interesting because it works for both masculine and feminine nouns. For example:
- Il ragazzo intelligente (The intelligent boy)
- La ragazza intelligente (The intelligent girl)
To make intelligente plural, you change the 'e' to an 'i'. So, it becomes intelligenti.
- I ragazzi intelligenti (The intelligent boys)
- Le ragazze intelligenti (The intelligent girls)
Yes, you can! While it's most common for people, you can definitely use intelligente for animals. For example, 'un cane intelligente' (an intelligent dog). For objects, it's less common, but you might hear it metaphorically, like 'una soluzione intelligente' (a clever solution).
That's a subtle but important difference! Intelligente refers to a person's mental capacity, their ability to learn and reason. Saggio means 'wise,' which implies good judgment and experience, not just raw intelligence. So, someone can be intelligent without being wise, and vice-versa.
Yes, there are a few!
- 'Essere intelligente' (To be intelligent) - Maria è molto intelligente. (Maria is very intelligent.)
- 'Una persona intelligente' (An intelligent person) - Lui è una persona intelligente. (He is an intelligent person.)
No, in Italian, intelligente primarily means 'intelligent' or 'clever.' It doesn't have a lot of other common, widely different meanings.
You can simply say 'non intelligente' (not intelligent). For example, 'Quel ragazzo non è molto intelligente.' (That boy is not very intelligent.) You could also use words like 'stupido' (stupid) or 'sciocco' (foolish), but those are stronger and might be considered rude depending on the context.
Yes, intelligente is a pretty straightforward and common adjective. You can make it stronger by adding 'molto' (very) or 'davvero' (really). For example, 'È molto intelligente.' (He is very intelligent.)
Think about how similar it is to the English word 'intelligent.' The root is very similar, so if you remember that connection, you'll likely remember intelligente!
Teste-toi 60 questions
She is intelligent.
He is an intelligent boy.
They are intelligent students.
Read this aloud:
Sei intelligente?
Focus: in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Lui è intelligente.
Focus: LUI è in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
La ragazza è molto intelligente.
Focus: mol-to in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'The girl is intelligent.' In Italian, the article comes before the noun, followed by the verb 'essere' (to be) and then the adjective.
This sentence means 'The dog is intelligent.' Similar to English, the adjective 'intelligente' follows the verb 'è'.
This sentence means 'They are intelligent.' Note that 'intelligente' becomes 'intelligenti' when referring to a plural subject like 'loro' (they).
Choose the correct Italian translation for 'The intelligent student learns quickly.'
In Italian, 'studente' is masculine, so it takes the article 'lo' before a word starting with 's' followed by a consonant. The adjective 'intelligente' agrees in gender and number, and typically follows the noun. 'Velocemente' is an adverb meaning quickly.
Which sentence correctly uses 'intelligente' to describe a smart idea?
'Idea' is a feminine noun, so it takes 'un'a' which becomes 'un'' before a vowel. 'Intelligente' follows the noun.
How do you say 'She is very intelligent' in Italian?
'Molto' means 'very' and precedes the adjective 'intelligente'. 'Molta' would be used for a feminine noun, but 'molto' is an adverb here.
The word 'intelligente' can be used for both masculine and feminine nouns.
Yes, 'intelligente' is an adjective that doesn't change its ending based on gender. It only changes for plural (intelligenti).
To say 'intelligent boys' in Italian, you would use 'ragazzi intelligenti'.
That's right! 'Ragazzi' is masculine plural, and 'intelligente' becomes 'intelligenti' in the plural form for both genders.
The sentence 'La ragazza è molto intelligente' means 'The girl is very intelligent'.
Yes, 'la ragazza' means 'the girl', 'è' means 'is', 'molto' means 'very', and 'intelligente' means 'intelligent'.
Write a short sentence describing a pet you know using the word 'intelligente'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Il mio cane è molto intelligente e impara in fretta.
Imagine you are describing a friend. Write one sentence saying they are intelligent.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La mia amica Maria è una persona molto intelligente.
Complete the sentence: 'Un buon libro è sempre...' (A good book is always...)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Un buon libro è sempre interessante e intelligente.
Cosa dice la maestra di Marco?
Read this passage:
Marco è uno studente. A scuola, lui fa sempre i compiti e risponde bene alle domande. La sua maestra dice che Marco è un ragazzo intelligente e lavora molto.
Cosa dice la maestra di Marco?
The passage states, 'La sua maestra dice che Marco è un ragazzo intelligente.'
The passage states, 'La sua maestra dice che Marco è un ragazzo intelligente.'
Perché tutti pensano che Giulia sia intelligente?
Read this passage:
La mia amica Giulia ha sempre idee originali. Quando abbiamo un problema, lei trova sempre una soluzione. Tutti pensano che sia una persona molto intelligente.
Perché tutti pensano che Giulia sia intelligente?
The passage says, 'Giulia ha sempre idee originali. Quando abbiamo un problema, lei trova sempre una soluzione.'
The passage says, 'Giulia ha sempre idee originali. Quando abbiamo un problema, lei trova sempre una soluzione.'
Cosa fa Leo che mostra che è intelligente?
Read this passage:
Il mio gatto si chiama Leo. Lui apre le porte e capisce quando lo chiamo. Non è solo carino, ma è anche molto intelligente per un gatto.
Cosa fa Leo che mostra che è intelligente?
The passage explicitly states, 'Lui apre le porte e capisce quando lo chiamo.'
The passage explicitly states, 'Lui apre le porte e capisce quando lo chiamo.'
Listen for 'intelligente' in the context of problem-solving.
Listen for 'intelligente' describing a woman's qualities.
Listen for 'intelligente' in a negative context.
Read this aloud:
Ripeti: 'Penso che sia una persona molto intelligente e di successo.'
Focus: intell-i-GENTE, suc-CES-so
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Descrivi qualcuno che conosci come 'intelligente'.
Focus: in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Completa la frase: 'È stato ___ agire in quel modo.'
Focus: ag-I-re
Tu as dit :
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Listen for 'intelligente' in the context of school performance.
Pay attention to how 'intelligente' describes comments.
Identify 'intelligente' in a phrase about problem-solving.
Read this aloud:
Maria è una ragazza molto intelligente e curiosa.
Focus: in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Penso che sia stata una decisione molto intelligente da parte tua.
Focus: de-ci-SIO-ne in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Un approccio intelligente è essenziale per il successo.
Focus: ap-PROC-cio in-tel-li-GEN-te
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order forms the sentence: 'An intelligent man always looks for new solutions.'
The correct order forms the sentence: 'His/Her idea was very intelligent and innovative.'
The correct order forms the sentence: 'To solve this problem, we must adopt an intelligent strategy.'
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "intelligente" in the context of a person's cognitive abilities.
"Brillante" is the most direct synonym for "intelligente" when referring to someone's cognitive brightness or quick wit. While the others relate to intelligence, they carry slightly different connotations: "astuto" implies craftiness, "sapiente" implies wisdom, and "capace" implies capability.
Which of the following sentences uses "intelligente" correctly to describe an innovative solution?
In this context, "intelligente" describes the ingenuity and cleverness of the solution itself, which is a common and correct usage at a C2 level. The other options describe a person, a choice, or an artwork, which are also valid, but the question specifically asks for an innovative solution.
In a philosophical discussion about artificial intelligence, which of these would be the most precise translation for 'artificial intelligence' when referring to advanced cognitive systems?
"Intelligenza artificiale" is the universally accepted and most precise term for 'artificial intelligence' in Italian, especially in academic and technical contexts at a C2 level.
The phrase 'un'intelligenza emotiva' refers to a person's capacity to understand and manage their own emotions and those of others.
Yes, 'intelligenza emotiva' is a widely recognized concept in Italian (and English, 'emotional intelligence') referring to the ability to perceive, evaluate, and control emotions.
It is grammatically correct to say 'più intelligente di me' (more intelligent than me).
Yes, 'più... di' is the correct comparative structure in Italian for adjectives followed by pronouns or nouns indicating comparison.
When describing a computer program, saying 'questo software è intelligente' means it is capable of independent thought and decision-making like a human.
While 'intelligente' can be used for software, it usually means it's sophisticated or efficient, not that it possesses human-like consciousness or independent thought. This is an important distinction at a C2 level.
Focus on understanding the nuanced description of intelligence.
Pay attention to the adjectives describing the person's mental abilities.
Listen for how the solution reflects intelligence.
Read this aloud:
Descrivi un'occasione in cui hai usato la tua intelligenza per risolvere un problema difficile.
Focus: R Sound
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Spiega come l'intelligenza artificiale stia influenzando il mondo del lavoro oggi.
Focus: Double L (LL) Sound
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Parla di una persona che consideri intelligente e perché.
Focus: Z Sound
Tu as dit :
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This sentence structure emphasizes the depth of intelligence through the ability to solve complex problems.
This arrangement highlights the consequence of her intelligence: being entrusted with challenging projects.
The sentence emphasizes the exclusive nature of understanding abstract theories to a truly intelligent person.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
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