Inklingo

How to Say "intellect" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inteligencia

/in-te-li-HÉN-sya//in.te.liˈxen.sja/

nounA2general
Use 'inteligencia' when referring to a person's general capacity for thought, reasoning, learning, and problem-solving, often implying a high level of cognitive ability.
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.)

cerebro

/seh-REH-broh//seˈɾe.βɾo/

nounB2informal, figurative
Use 'cerebro' metaphorically to refer to the 'brains' of an operation or organization, meaning the person who is the primary thinker or planner.
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.

Confusing 'Brains' with 'Intelligence'

Learners often mix up 'cerebro' and 'inteligencia'. Remember that 'inteligencia' refers to the abstract quality of being smart, while 'cerebro' is used figuratively for the 'smart person' in charge, like 'the brains of the operation'.

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