智商

• Pinyin: zhì shāng
• Hanzi breakdown: 智 = 知 + 日 (knowledge + sun — wisdom); 商 = quotient (mathematical term)

Meaning

Intelligence quotient; IQ. A measure of intellectual ability based on standardised tests.

Used in psychology and casual conversation. 高智商 (high IQ), 智商测试 (IQ test). In internet slang, 智商税 refers to money wasted on scams or overpriced products. Often paired with 情商 (EQ — emotional intelligence).

Examples

1. 科学研究表明智商受到遗传和环境的共同影响。 Research shows that IQ is shaped by both genetics and environment.
2. 成功不仅需要高智商，更需要良好的情商和逆商。 Success requires not only a high IQ but also strong emotional intelligence and resilience.
3. 这种营销手段就是收智商税，消费者要擦亮眼睛。 This kind of marketing is basically charging people an “IQ tax”—consumers need to keep their eyes open.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, casual conversation, internet slang

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 智商只是衡量能力的一个维度，不能代表全部。(IQ is just one dimension of measuring ability — it cannot represent everything.)
• 别交智商税了，这种产品根本没有宣传的功效。(Don't pay the IQ tax — this product doesn't have the effects it advertises.)

Don't Say

• 他智商很低 — potentially offensive; use 他在这方面不太擅长 for tactful criticism

Origin & History

智 (wisdom/intelligence) + 商 (quotient/business)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal