Japanese meaning of 当意即妙
Reading:
とういそくみょう (toui sokumyou)
English Translation:
Quick-witted and apt in response
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Quick-witted; responding aptly and spontaneously.
即座に適切な対応や返答をすること。
Cultural Context:
Praised in comedy, debate, and customer service for sharp verbal skills.
漫才・討論・接客などで機転の利いた応答を称える場面に用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase indicating quick wit, often used as “〜な返答.”
Trap for English Speakers
May be misread as only fast speech, ignoring the intelligence aspect.
Example
Basic Example
彼は当意即妙な返答で場を和ませた。
He lightened the mood with a quick-witted response.
Applied Example
彼女は質問に当意即妙に答えた。
She answered the question with quick wit.