Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of someone having exceptional natural ability or skill in Japanese. It focuses on common words and phrases used to describe a person with outstanding talent, from everyday compliments to formal descriptions.
To say that someone is extremely talented or gifted, often in a specific field like arts, sports, or academics.
The most common and direct word for 'genius' or 'prodigy'. It implies innate, extraordinary talent. Can be used for both children and adults.
He is a genius at math.
That kid is a piano prodigy, isn't he?
Refers to a person of outstanding academic ability or intellectual brilliance, often achieved through hard work as well as talent. More formal than 天才.
She has been an outstanding student since she was little.
Literally 'exceptional material', used for a person of remarkable talent, often in a professional or organizational context. Implies someone who stands out and is highly valued.
He is an outstanding talent in our company.
A versatile phrase meaning 'to have talent'. Can be modified with adverbs like とても or すごく to emphasize outstanding talent.
She is really talented.
He has a talent for music.
Means 'outstanding talent' or 'exceptional ability'. ずば抜けた means 'head and shoulders above others'. Stronger than just 才能がある.
He is a person of outstanding talent.
To compliment someone on their impressive abilities or achievements, often in a casual or conversational setting.
The most common casual way to say 'amazing' or 'incredible'. Can refer to talent, skill, or performance. Very versatile.
Wow, that's amazing! How did you do that?
Means 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. More formal than すごい, but still common in everyday speech. Can describe talent, work, or results.
Means 'skillful' or 'good at'. Used to praise someone's ability in a specific activity. Often used with ですね to soften the compliment.
To specifically describe a child or young person with exceptional talent, often in arts or sports.
Means 'child prodigy' or 'wunderkind'. Used for children with extraordinary abilities, often in music or academics. Somewhat literary.
Mozart was called a child prodigy.
Literally 'genius boy'. Used in media to describe a young male prodigy. Not commonly used in everyday conversation.
The phrase 'outstanding talent' is often used as a noun phrase in English (e.g., 'He is an outstanding talent'). In Japanese, it is more natural to use a noun like 天才 or a phrase like 才能がある rather than trying to directly translate the whole phrase. For example, 'He is an outstanding talent' is better rendered as 彼は天才だ or 彼はずば抜けた才能の持ち主だ, not a word-for-word translation.
天才 (genius) emphasizes innate, almost magical ability, while 秀才 (outstanding intellect) often implies a combination of talent and hard work, especially in academic contexts. 天才 is more common in everyday speech, while 秀才 is slightly more formal and often used in writing.
Your performance is truly wonderful.
日本語が上手ですね。
Your Japanese is very good.
He is good at drawing.
The boy genius entered university at age 10.