Translation guide
The English phrase "great talent" can refer to an exceptional natural ability or a person possessing such ability. In Japanese, the most natural expressions depend on the context: whether you are praising someone's skill, describing innate giftedness, or referring to a prodigy.
Describing someone's innate, outstanding talent or skill, often in arts, sports, or intellectual pursuits.
The most common and versatile word for 'talent' or 'giftedness'. Can be used for both innate and developed abilities. Often combined with adjectives like 素晴らしい (wonderful) or 並外れた (extraordinary).
She has great talent.
His musical talent is extraordinary.
Means 'genius'. Implies an exceptionally high level of innate talent, often in intellectual or creative fields. Can also refer to a person who is a genius.
He is a genius at math.
That child has genius-level talent.
A more literary expression meaning 'innate talent' or 'God-given gift'. Emphasizes that the talent is inborn.
He is blessed with great natural talent.
Refers to an unusual or extraordinary talent, often in a specific field. Slightly formal and less common in everyday speech.
He showed great talent from a young age.
Referring to someone who possesses exceptional talent, especially a young person.
As above, can mean both the quality and the person. Very common.
He is a young genius.
Refers to a person of outstanding ability, often achieved through hard work rather than pure innate genius. Commonly used for academically gifted individuals.
Means 'exceptional talent' or 'outstanding person'. Often used in business or sports contexts to describe someone with remarkable potential.
Literally 'demon talent', used for someone with extraordinary, almost frightening talent, often in creative fields. Has a nuance of unconventional genius.
Highlighting great ability in a particular domain like music, painting, sports, etc.
Attach the domain to 才能. This is the most straightforward way to specify the area of talent.
She has a great talent for painting.
He is blessed with great talent for soccer.
Refers to skill or ability, especially in practical or performance arts. Often used for cooking, crafts, or sports.
Means 'ability' or 'caliber', often used in professional or competitive contexts to denote high competence.
才能 (sainō) is the general word for talent or ability, and can be used for both innate and acquired skills. 天才 (tensai) specifically means 'genius' and implies an exceptionally high, often innate, intellectual or creative ability. Use 才能 for most situations; reserve 天才 for truly extraordinary cases.
While 偉大な (idai na) means 'great', it is not commonly used with 才能. Instead, use adjectives like 素晴らしい (subarashii, wonderful), 並外れた (namihazureta, extraordinary), or 優れた (sugureta, excellent) to modify 才能.
She has a great talent for music.
He is a person of great talent.
彼女は学校一の秀才だ。
She is the most talented student in the school.
彼は将来有望な逸材だ。
He is a person of great talent with a promising future.
He is called a great talent in the film world.
彼の料理の腕前は素晴らしい。
His cooking talent is wonderful.
彼の指導者としての力量は高く評価されている。
His great talent as a leader is highly valued.