精明 jīngmíng astute
astute; shrewd; smart
How to remember 精明: 精 essence + 明 bright = astute.
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How it is used
- Shrewd and sharp, good at looking after one's interests - 精明的商人 (jīngmíng de shāngrén) a shrewd businessman; 精明能干 astute and capable.
- Generally positive (savvy), but can tip toward calculating if overdone.
- Distinguish 聪明 (cōngming, intelligent): 精明 is worldly shrewdness, esp. in dealings and money.