clever
/ˈklevə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklevər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkle-vər/ (ame, mw)
clever — 形容詞
- cleverpositive
- cleverercomparative
- cleverestsuperlative
1. quick to learn new ideas and find answers to problems, especially in classroom o
聰明的
頭腦靈活、理解力強的
quick to learn new ideas and find answers to problems, especially in classroom or everyday situations
Rohan is a clever boy who always finishes his maths homework before dinner.
Rohan 是個聰明的小孩，總是在晚餐前就寫完數學作業。
collocation: clever boy / clever student
That was a clever question from the new student in science class.
新同學在自然課上問了一個很聰明的問題。
The clever dog learned to open the kitchen door by pulling a towel.
那隻聰明的狗學會了拉毛巾來打開廚房門。
Clever Noa solved the puzzle while the other children were still thinking about it.
聰明的 Noa 在其他孩子還在想的時候就解開了謎題。
- intelligent
more formal and often suggests a high natural ability to understand complex ideas
- bright
informal, often used for children; suggests quick understanding and alertness
- smart
common in American English; similar meaning but can also imply practical judgement
文法句型
clever at (doing) something
clever of someone to do something
常見錯誤
2. having good control and skill when using your hands or body to make, repair, or
靈巧的
手部動作熟練的
having good control and skill when using your hands or body to make, repair, or handle things
Aiko is clever with a sewing needle and can make her own clothes.
Aiko 很會用縫衣針，可以自己做衣服。
pattern: clever with + tool/instrument
The carpenter made clever cuts in the wood to fit the pieces together.
木匠在木頭上做了巧妙的切割，讓這些木片能拼合在一起。
My grandmother is still clever with her hands even at eighty years old.
我奶奶雖然八十歲了，手還是很巧。
Diego carved a clever shape out of the block of wood using just a small knife.
Diego 只用一把小刀就從木塊上刻出了一個巧妙的形狀。
- clumsy
moving or handling things in an awkward, careless way
文法句型
clever with (hands/fingers/tools)
用法筆記
This sense focuses on physical dexterity rather than mental ability. The subject is typically a person, and the object of 'with' is a body part, a tool, or a material.
常見錯誤
3. showing intelligence and originality in the way something is designed, built, or
巧妙的
設計精巧、有創意的
showing intelligence and originality in the way something is designed, built, or thought out, so that it works well or solves a problem efficiently
The engineer showed us a clever device that turns ocean waves into electricity.
工程師向我們展示了一個巧妙的裝置，能把海浪轉化為電力。
collocation: clever device / clever design
Priya found a clever way to store all the kitchen tools in a small cabinet.
Priya 找到了一個巧妙的方法，把所有廚房用具都收進一個小櫥櫃裡。
This travel bag has a clever system that keeps clothes wrinkle-free inside.
這個旅行袋有個巧妙的設計，能讓衣服在裡面保持平整不皺。
Leila designed a clever shelf that folds flat against the wall when not in use.
Leila 設計了一個巧妙的層架，不用時可以摺平靠在牆上。
- clumsy
badly designed or awkward to use
用法筆記
Used about objects, ideas, methods, or solutions — not about people. If describing a person, use sense 1 or 2 instead.
常見錯誤
4. using words in a quick, intelligent way that sounds amusing but lacks sincerity,
耍嘴皮的
油嘴滑舌、不真誠的聰明
using words in a quick, intelligent way that sounds amusing but lacks sincerity, respect, or seriousness — often giving a negative impression
Tomás made a clever joke about the teacher's mistake, but it was not polite.
Tomás 拿老師的錯誤開了個耍嘴皮的玩笑，但那樣很不禮貌。
disapproving register — clever remark showing lack of respect
The lawyer gave clever answers to every question, but nobody trusted his words.
那名律師對每個問題都給出耍嘴皮子的回答，但沒有人相信他的話。
Stop being so clever about everything and just give us a straight answer.
別再處處耍小聰明，直接給我們一個明確的回答就好。
Hana's clever comments during the meeting made everyone laugh, but the boss looked annoyed.
Hana 在會議上耍嘴皮子的發言讓大家笑了，但老闆看起來不太高興。
用法筆記
Often used to criticise someone who is being too smart in a tricky or annoying way. The tone is typically disapproving, especially in British English. Distinguish from sense 1: calling someone 'too clever by half' or 'a clever person' can imply they are trying to outsmart others rather than simply being intelligent.