Translation guide
The English word "genius" can refer to exceptional intellectual ability, a person with such ability, or a natural talent for something. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the nuance.
彼は天才だ。
He is a genius.
彼女は語学の才能がある。
She has a genius for languages.
Referring to the quality of being extremely intelligent or creative, often in academic or artistic fields.
The most common and direct translation for 'genius' as a noun meaning exceptional intellectual or creative ability. Can also refer to a person with such ability.
彼は数学の天才だ。
He is a genius at mathematics.
アインシュタインは天才だった。
Einstein was a genius.
An adjective meaning 'genius-level' or 'brilliant', used to describe ideas, works, or abilities.
それは天才的なアイデアだ。
That's a genius idea.
Refers to a person with extraordinary, almost demonic talent, often in arts or unconventional fields. More dramatic than 天才.
彼は映画界の鬼才と呼ばれている。
He is called a genius of the film world.
Referring to an individual who is a genius.
Same word as above, used to refer to a genius person.
あの子は本当に天才だね。
That kid is a real genius.
Refers to a person of great academic ability or a brilliant student, but often implies hard work rather than innate genius. Contrasts with 天才.
Describing an innate ability or exceptional skill in a specific area, not necessarily academic.
Means 'talent' or 'gift'. Often used when 'genius' refers to a natural aptitude for something like music, sports, or art.
彼女には音楽の才能がある。
She has a genius for music.
A more literary term meaning 'innate talent' or 'God-given genius'.
彼は天賦の才に恵まれている。
He is blessed with natural genius.
Referring to the distinctive character or spirit of a person, place, or time, as in 'genius loci'.
Means 'essence' or 'spirit', used in phrases like 'the genius of the language'.
日本語の精髄を理解する。
To understand the genius of the Japanese language.
Means 'characteristic' or 'peculiar quality', sometimes used to translate 'genius' in abstract contexts.
天才 (tensai) implies innate, extraordinary genius, while 秀才 (shuusai) refers to someone who is academically brilliant through effort. Use 天才 for natural prodigies and 秀才 for top students or scholars.
彼は天才型で、努力しなくてもできる。
He's the genius type; he can do it without effort.
彼女は秀才型で、コツコツ勉強する。
She's the hard-working brilliant type; she studies steadily.
In casual English, 'genius' is often used lightly (e.g., 'That was genius!'). In Japanese, 天才 is a strong word. For casual praise, use すごい (sugoi) or 頭いい (atama ii) instead.
そのアイデア、すごいね！
That idea is genius!
彼は天才というより秀才だ。
He's more of a hard-working brilliant student than a natural genius.
その時代の特質を表している。
It represents the genius of the era.