Translation guide
The English word 'talent' can refer to innate ability, a skilled person, or attractive celebrities in media. This guide helps learners express these nuances naturally in Japanese.
彼女には音楽の才能がある。
She has a talent for music.
彼はテレビタレントだ。
He is a TV talent.
Referring to a natural aptitude or developed skill in a particular area.
The most common and direct translation for 'talent' as innate ability. Used for artistic, academic, or athletic gifts.
彼女には音楽の才能がある。
She has a talent for music.
彼は生まれつきの才能に恵まれている。
He is blessed with natural talent.
Phrase meaning 'to have talent'. Often used with に (in something).
彼は絵を描く才能がある。
He has a talent for drawing.
Means 'to be blessed with talent'. Slightly more formal/literary.
彼女は語学の才能に恵まれている。
She is blessed with a talent for languages.
Literary term for 'innate talent' or 'God-given gift'. Used in formal or poetic contexts.
彼は天賦の才を持つ芸術家だ。
He is an artist with innate talent.
Referring to a person who possesses talent, often in a specific field.
Literally 'a person with talent'. A straightforward way to describe a talented individual.
彼は本当に才能のある人だ。
He is a truly talented person.
Means 'capable/competent person'. Emphasizes ability and effectiveness, often in professional settings.
彼女は有能な人で、どんな仕事でもこなす。
She is a talented person who can handle any job.
Refers to an exceptionally talented person, a 'gem' or 'outstanding talent'. Often used in business or sports contexts.
Referring to entertainers, especially those who appear on variety shows, often called 'tarento' in Japanese.
Loanword from English, specifically used for TV personalities, celebrities, and entertainers who appear on variety shows. Not used for innate ability.
彼は人気タレントだ。
He is a popular TV personality.
あのタレントはよくバラエティ番組に出ている。
That talent often appears on variety shows.
Specifically refers to 'idols', young performers in pop culture, often singers or actors marketed for their image.
The loanword タレント only refers to media personalities. To express natural ability, use 才能 (さいのう). Using タレント for 'talent' in the sense of skill will cause confusion.
彼は絵の才能がある。
He has a talent for drawing.
才能 (さいのう) implies innate talent or gift, while 能力 (のうりょく) refers to acquired ability or competence. Use 才能 for natural aptitude and 能力 for learned skills.
彼は語学の才能がある。
He has a talent for languages.
彼は高いコミュニケーション能力を持っている。
He has strong communication skills.
彼は我が社の逸材だ。
He is an outstanding talent in our company.
General term for 'celebrity' or 'entertainer', including actors, singers, and TV personalities.
彼女は有名な芸能人になった。
She became a famous celebrity.
彼女はアイドルとしてデビューした。
She debuted as an idol.