nous
nous — 名詞
1. the ability to make sensible decisions and take practical action in real-life si
實用智慧
憑經驗與直覺解決問題的能力
the ability to make sensible decisions and take practical action in real-life situations, relying on experience and instinct rather than formal knowledge.
Feng had the nous to check the tyre pressure before driving across the desert.
Feng 有實用智慧，在穿越沙漠之前先檢查輪胎氣壓。
have + the + nous + to-infinitive
It takes political nous to know when to stay silent during a negotiation.
在談判中知道何時保持沉默，需要政治智慧。
typical modifier: political nous
With her sharp business nous, Bao was promoted to regional manager within two years.
Bao 憑藉敏銳的商業頭腦，兩年內就被提拔為區域經理。
Layla showed real nous by bringing an interpreter to the international conference.
Layla 帶翻譯參加國際會議，展現了真正的機靈。
The team hired a local guide whose nous helped them find water in the dry mountains.
團隊雇用了一位當地嚮導，憑他的機智幫大家在乾燥的山區找到了水源。
- common sense
More widely understood; less intellectual and more everyday than 'nous'.
- savvy
Informal, slightly more modern and American-leaning; often used for consumer or digital contexts.
- acumen
More formal and specific, typically applied to business, finance, or politics rather than general life situations.
- foolishness
Direct opposite — acting without good sense.
- naivety
Lack of practical experience or worldly judgment.
用法筆記
Primarily British English, used in informal or conversational contexts. Uncountable — cannot be used as 'a nous' or 'nouses'. Often modified by adjectives such as 'political', 'business', 'basic', or 'sharp'.