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How to Say "intellect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inteligencia

in-te-li-HÉN-syain.te.liˈxen.sja

nounA2general
Use 'inteligencia' when referring to a general high capacity for thought, cleverness, or IQ, especially in everyday contexts.
A simplified illustration of a person's head in profile with a brightly glowing yellow lightbulb hovering directly above it, symbolizing intellect and capacity for thought.

Examples

Ella demostró una gran inteligencia resolviendo el problema.

She showed great intelligence by solving the problem.

La inteligencia artificial avanza muy rápido.

Artificial intelligence is advancing very quickly.

¿Crees que la inteligencia se hereda o se aprende?

Do you think intelligence is inherited or learned?

Gender Check

Even though 'inteligencia' ends in -a, remember it is a feminine noun. You will use 'la inteligencia' or 'mucha inteligencia'.

Using 'Inteligente' as a Noun

Mistake: “Habló con el inteligencia del grupo.”

Correction: Habló con la persona inteligente del grupo. ('Inteligencia' is the quality, 'inteligente' is the adjective.)

entendimiento

en-ten-dee-MYEN-tohenten'dimjento

nounB2general
Choose 'entendimiento' when you want to emphasize the human capacity to think, comprehend, and reason, often in more philosophical or abstract discussions.
A glowing lightbulb inside a simple silhouette of a human head to represent thought.

Examples

El entendimiento humano es un tema fascinante para los científicos.

The human intellect is a fascinating topic for scientists.

Es una persona con un gran entendimiento de la situación política.

He is a person with a great understanding of the political situation.

A veces la pasión nubla el entendimiento.

Sometimes passion clouds one's reason.

Abstract Concepts

When used to mean 'the mind' or 'intellect,' it usually takes the definite article 'el' because you are talking about a general human ability.

cerebro

seh-REH-brohseˈɾe.βɾo

nounB2informal
Use 'cerebro' metaphorically to refer to the 'brains' of an operation or a person who is exceptionally smart and leads the thinking.
A person sitting at a desk, looking thoughtful, with a cluster of brightly glowing lightbulbs floating directly above their head, symbolizing genius and planning.

Examples

Mi hermana es el cerebro del negocio familiar.

My sister is the brains of the family business.

Necesitamos un buen cerebro para resolver este problema.

We need a good brain (a smart person) to solve this problem.

Stays Masculine for People

When 'cerebro' means 'mastermind,' it refers to a person. Even if that person is female, the word 'cerebro' itself always stays masculine. For example: 'Ella es el cerebro del equipo' (She is the mastermind of the team).

Confusing 'Cerebro' and 'Mente'

Mistake: “Using 'cerebro' when you mean 'mind' in the sense of thoughts, feelings, or consciousness.”

Correction: Use 'mente' for 'mind' (e.g., 'Tengo muchas cosas en la mente' - I have a lot on my mind). Use 'cerebro' for the physical organ or for the 'mastermind' of an operation.

Choosing between Inteligencia and Cerebro

Learners often confuse 'inteligencia' and 'cerebro'. Remember that 'inteligencia' refers to the quality of being intelligent, while 'cerebro' is a metaphor for the 'smartest person' or the 'thinking part' of a group or system.

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