人工知能

• Reading: じんこうちのう
• Romaji: jinkou chinou
• Kanji breakdown: 人 (jin) — person; 工 (kou) — craft, artificial; 知 (chi) — wisdom, knowledge; 能 (nou) — ability, talent
• Pronunciation: /dʑiɴ.koː.tɕi.noː/

Meaning

Artificial intelligence; AI. Computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.

A four-kanji compound noun increasingly common in modern Japanese. Often abbreviated as AI (エーアイ) in casual and media contexts. 人工知能 is used when discussing the technology more formally. A major topic in technology news, business strategy, and ethical discussions in contemporary Japan.

Examples

1. 人工知能の技術が医療の分野でも使われ始めた。 Artificial intelligence technology has started being used in the medical field as well.
2. 将来、人工知能が多くの仕事を代わりにするかもしれない。 In the future, artificial intelligence might take over many jobs.
3. 人工知能について書かれた本を読んでいる。 I'm reading a book written about artificial intelligence.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, news, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 人工 (artificial, man-made, from 人 meaning person and 工 meaning craft) and 知能 (intelligence, from 知 meaning wisdom and 能 meaning ability). A calque of the English term 'artificial intelligence.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal