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ENTJ vs INTJ. It can be really confusing to know where you stand. These two types are quite similar on paper and even in their cognitive functions.

Just looking at the letters, the difference between both types is in the first letter. So, it can be hard to distinguish if you are just on the borderline of extroversion and introversion.

Here, I’ll help you find what MBTI type you really are by showing you the differences between both types.

What’s the Main Difference between ENTJ and INTJ?

The main difference on the surface between the ENTJ and INTJ is in their approach to situations. While INTJ will rather first theorize about the problem before solving it, ENTJs dive into the problem first before theorizing about it.

While this is a big difference between both MBTI types, there are a lot of other differences. Let’s start with their cognitive functions.

ENTJ vs INTJ- Cognitive Functions

Every MBTI type has at least 8 functions. 4 are the most dominant while the others are known as shadow functions.

The ENTJ and INTJ share the same 4 main cognitive functions. However, they are not in the same order.

ENTJ	INTJ
Extroverted thinking (Te)	Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Introverted Intuition (Ni)	Extroverted Thinking (Te)
Extroverted Sensing  (Se)	Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Introverted Feeling   (Fi)	Extroverted Sensing (Se)

Let’s consider them in closer detail

Te vs Ni

For the ENTJ, their leading function is the Te. This is the function they use to solve their everyday problems. It is also used in analyzing various issues. These issues are them arranged in their head.

Extroverted thinking is what helps the ENTJ think creatively and find new and innovative ways to solve the problems they face.

For the INTJ, they lead with introverted intuition. This helps the INTJ connect different situations and make the right connections between seemingly unrelated things.

This helps the INTJ predict events correctly or make the right analysis about a particular situation. Thus, INTJ uses Ni to solve some of the most complicated problems they face.

This is usually what they turn to first.

Ni vs Te

Now, the table turns for both MBTI types. The ENTJ then uses Ni to sort out most of their thoughts. They then try to predict how their actions would turn out.

With the help of Ni, ENTJs can solidify their Te and make decisions that often pay off.

INTJ uses Te as their second function. This function helps INTJs make rational and logical decisions. What the Ni figures out and predicts is passed through the Te.

This allows the INTJ to test the prediction and make great decisions. With the Te, the INTJ can take the best possible choice from a wide range of options.

Se vs Fi

The Se in ENTJ allows them to live in the moment. Thus, ENTJs are alive to their surroundings and enjoy novel experiences.

They might also love physical activities. Thus, it is not surprising that a portion of ENTJs enjoy working out. With the Se, the ENTJ has a chance to take a break from their innovative world once in a while.

INTJs use Fi as their third function. This helps INTJs understand their own emotions and feelings. While this is true, this is still their third function.

Thus, it usually is not as developed as their first two functions. When their Fi is fully developed, INTJs will become very empathetic and understand themselves better on an emotional level.

Fi vs Se

Lastly, ENTJs use Fi as their 4^th function. This helps them to make good decisions. Thus, ENTJs usually use this function to decide if an action is humane or morally right.

While this is true, this is their last function and the least developed. This means that ENTJs will prioritize other functions over this when making a decision.

INTJ uses Se as their 4^th function. They use this function when they need to observe their surroundings. This function helps the INTJ to see little details that they would have otherwise missed.

While this function can make the INTJ a fully rounded individual, it is the least developed of all 4 functions.

ENTJ vs INTJ- Relationship and Love

INTJ in Love

The INTJ is a very independent type. This independence does not disappear even when they are in a relationship. However, INTJ is going to be very supportive of their partners.

Surprisingly, the intuitive types are the most likely to be hopelessly in love in the MBTI typology. This means that INTJ will often have idealistic expectations of their partners.

They naturally want partners that are street smart and very thoughtful. The INTP is at their core a thinking type. This means that their communication style would be direct and honest.

This can be a bit too much for feeler types such as the ISFJ. For the INTJ, the most compatible types for them will be the ENTP and the ENFP. However, I would point out that any two persons can make a relationship.

The MBTI should only be used as a starting point.

The INTJ is also certain to face some struggles. INTJs are often clueless in relationships and might approach them as a problem. This can easily cause trouble in the relationship. The INTJ can also be described as insensitive and harsh by other feelers.

ENTJ Love

People often see ENTJs as tough people, but that’s not always the case. They are only tough and strong when they want to achieve a goal. When it comes to those they love, their soft side emerges.

ENTJs don’t fall in love easily, but when they do, they fall deeply and hold on to that love as though it’s their most prized possession. They value and believe in it.

They are very loyal people. When they are committed to someone, they defend them with all they have. They stand with them through thick and thin. When their loved ones are facing trials or being challenged, there is no limit to how far they can go to defend or help them.

Now, they aren’t very emotional people and won’t show constant affection. However, they will show their love by standing by their partners at times that count. When they love someone, they don’t betray their trust. As their feelings get stronger, so does their sense of loyalty.

The natural partners of the ENTJ are the INTP or the ISTP. However, they will be compatible with most of the thinker types. ENTJs are very likely to have quality time and physical touch among their love languages.

ENTJ vs INTJ- Population Count

ENTJs are one of the rarest personality types in the MBTI. They make up just 2% of the world’s population.

For the INTJs, they are just a bit more common. They make up about 2.1% of the world’s population.

Bottom line, these are two of the rarest personality types in the MBTI.

ENTJ vs INTJ- Enneagram Types

INTJs are more likely to be enneagram 5 than any other personality type. This is followed by type 1. The third likely enneagram type is type 3.

This makes sense as type 5s are mostly introverts and have a great interest in theorizing and learning.

If you want to see the complete breakdown, you can click on that link.

On the other hand, ENTJs are more likely to be type 8 and type 3 than any other personality type. The preference for type 8 matches the extroverted thinking nature of ENTJs perfectly.

ENTJ vs INTJ- in the Work Place

INTJ

INTJ thrive best in a work environment that allows them to solve problems. While the INTJ is great at theory, they also enjoy bringing those ideas to life.

INTJs are creative people who value a job that allows them to do just that. However, there should be a well-defined structure in the workplace. This allows the INTJ to know what to do and who is dishing out the instructions.

To get the best out of the INTJ, put them in a role that requires creativity and problem-solving.

Here are some career options that will be great for the INTJ

• Aerospace engineer
• Electrical engineer
• Physician
• Pharmacist
• Photographer
• Editor
• Writer
• Computer Scientist
• Economist
• Top Executive
• Graphic Designer
• Software Engineer
• Lawyer
• Judge

Career Options that INTJs should avoid

• Secretary
• Clerk
• Paralegal
• Compliance Officer
• Preschool teacher
• Social worker (INTJ type 1 might fit into this role).

ENTJ

ENTJ strives when they are in a position of management. They are good leaders and can inspire people to get the job done.

They are also very creative people who like to solve problems. Just like the INTJ, ENTJs enjoy a lot of structure in their work area. With structure, ENTJs can work more effectively.

ENTJ are very hard workers. They are also quite reliable. To get the best out of an ENTJ, you should place them in positions of management.

Here are some of the career options for ENTJs

• Entrepreneur
• Top executive
• Sales manager
• Sales engineer
• Sociologist
• Psychologist
• Historian
• Dentist
• Writer
• Photographer
• Professor
• Surgeon

Careers that INTJ should probably avoid include

• Preschool teacher
• Nurse Aide
• Secretary
• Paralegal
• Receptionist

ENTJ vs INTJ- Childhood

The INTJ child will often be one step ahead in academics and thinking. They are quite imaginative and will develop a very rational mind early on. While the brilliance of the INTJ child is without question, they might be slow to form great interaction with other kids.

You can expect your INTJ child to have few friends and have problems fitting in. The INTJ is also an introvert at their core. So, don’t expect a noisy child. You will need to give your child a lot of space.

However, be gentle and firm. Make sure they grow up feeling loved.

ENTJ children, on other hand, are often very fierce and tough. They are independent and show signs of high ambition from that tender age. ENTJ children often want to assert dominance in their homes or school environments and aim for positions that give them power and influence.

They are naturally endowed with an intellectual curiosity that makes them want to try new things and master concepts. This helps them to learn things faster.

ENTJ children rely on logical thinking a lot when it comes to making decisions. They are masters of separating emotions from situations when the need arises. Any situation that involves their emotions doesn’t work well with them. However, they are very warm and loving children, especially when they are around people they love.

They are very opinionated children. As they form their beliefs, they stand by them regardless of the opinion of the majority. They often get into conflict with their mates when their opinions clash because they won’t change.

ENTJ vs INTJ- Dealing with a Break up

ENTJ

ENTJs respond to breakups differently, depending on how serious the relationship is. If they don’t have deep feelings for the person, they deal with it well. Because they often reason logically, they can look at the facts and see that a relationship can’t work.

Their moving-on strategies include being social and connecting with friends and loved ones. This serves as a good distraction and they move on quickly.

However, if they have deep feelings for the person, the heartbreak might be difficult for them to cope with. It will feel almost impossible for them to let go and move on. This makes them try to fight for the relationship and make things work.

When things aren’t working as expected, they come up with logical reasons as to why it failed and move on.

INTJ

The INTJ is a problem solver by default. Thus, when they are facing heartbreak, they are more likely to treat it as a problem that needs to be solved. The INTJ will analyze the problem from all angles trying to find why it happened and what caused it.

They will often choose to hide their feelings behind jokes and closely veiled comments. However, the INTJ feels heartbreak deeply.

So are you an INTJ or an ENTJ?

Let me know in the comments!