Translation guide
This English phrase describes someone with exceptional ability. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on context: whether you're speaking formally, casually, or referring to a specific field. The most common and versatile word is 才能がある人 (sainou ga aru hito), literally 'a person with talent.' For more emphatic or literary expressions, terms like 天才 (tensai, 'genius') or 偉才 (isai, 'great talent') are used. Note that Japanese often omits 'person' when the context is clear, using just the talent descriptor.
Describing someone with great talent in a general, everyday sense.
The most straightforward and common way to say 'a person with talent.' It's neutral and can be used in most situations.
He is truly a person of great talent.
Means 'genius.' It's stronger than 'talented person' and implies innate, extraordinary ability. Often used for prodigies or creative geniuses.
She is a genius in mathematics.
Refers to a person of great academic talent or a brilliant mind. Often used for someone who excels in studies or intellectual pursuits.
He was known as a person of great talent from a young age.
Means 'capable person' or 'competent person.' Emphasizes practical ability and effectiveness, often in a professional context.
He is a person of great talent, so we can entrust any job to him.
Expressing 'person of great talent' in a more emphatic, formal, or literary way.
A literary term meaning 'great talent' or 'person of great talent.' It's emphatic and often used in formal writing or speeches.
He is the greatest talent of our time.
Means 'prodigy' or 'person of exceptional talent.' Often used for young, brilliant individuals.
Refers to an exceptionally talented person, a 'gem' or 'outstanding talent.' Often used in business or sports contexts.
Describing a person of great talent within a particular domain (arts, sports, business, etc.).
A flexible pattern to specify the field of talent. Replace [field] with the area (e.g., 音楽 'music', スポーツ 'sports').
He is a person of great musical talent.
Means 'master' or 'expert.' Used for someone who has reached the pinnacle of skill in a traditional art, game, or craft.
Means 'expert' or 'virtuoso.' Similar to 名人 but can be used more broadly for any highly skilled person.
Informally saying someone is very talented.
Literally 'amazing person.' A very common casual way to say someone is talented or impressive. Context-dependent; can also mean 'great person' in general.
That person is really talented (a person of great talent).
Means 'competent person' or 'person who gets things done.' Often used in workplace contexts to describe a capable colleague.
He's really a capable guy (a person of great talent).
The direct translation '偉大な才能の人' (idai na sainou no hito) is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural and overly literal. Use the options above instead.
In Japanese, when the context is clear, you can often drop '人' (person) and just use the talent descriptor. For example, '彼は天才だ' (He is a genius) is more natural than '彼は天才な人だ'.
彼は若手の俊才として注目されている。
He is attracting attention as a young person of great talent.
彼は我が社の逸材だ。
He is a person of great talent in our company.
He is a master of shogi (a person of great talent in shogi).
彼女は料理の達人だ。
She is a culinary virtuoso (a person of great talent in cooking).