Translation guide
A person highly skilled in music or another art, or a performance/quality showing exceptional skill.
Referring to a person with extraordinary technical ability in music or performing arts.
Commonly used for a master artist, especially in classical music or fine arts. Conveys respect and established reputation.
彼はピアノの巨匠として知られている。
He is known as a piano virtuoso.
Literally 'master hand'. Used for someone highly skilled in a specific instrument or art. Slightly less formal than 巨匠.
彼女はバイオリンの名手だ。
She is a violin virtuoso.
Means 'expert' or 'master'. Can be used for any field, including music. Emphasizes high level of skill.
彼はギターの達人だ。
He is a guitar virtuoso.
Refers to a great master or authority, often in traditional arts or academic fields. More formal and literary.
彼は書道の大家である。
He is a virtuoso of calligraphy.
Describing a performance, piece, or display that is technically brilliant.
A 'masterful performance'. Commonly used for concerts, recitals, or acting.
昨夜のコンサートは本当に名演だった。
Last night's concert was a true virtuoso performance.
Means 'exquisite skill' or 'wonderful technique'. Can refer to a specific display of virtuosity.
Literally 'transcendent technique'. Used for jaw-dropping technical displays, often in music or magic. Can sound hyperbolic.
その曲は超絶技巧を要する。
That piece requires virtuoso technique.
Extending the meaning to a master in any domain, like sports, cooking, etc.
The most versatile term for a virtuoso in any field. Works for martial arts, programming, cooking, etc.
彼は料理の達人だ。
He is a culinary virtuoso.
Often used for recognized masters in traditional arts, games (like shogi), or crafts. Implies a title or high status.
The direct loanword ヴィルトゥオーソ exists but is rare and sounds unnatural in most contexts. Stick to native Japanese terms.
巨匠 implies a grand master with a long career, often in classical arts. 名手 focuses on technical skill in a specific instrument or art. 達人 is the most flexible and can be used for any field, including modern skills.
彼のピアノの妙技に聴衆は魅了された。
The audience was captivated by his piano virtuosity.
彼は将棋の名人だ。
He is a virtuoso of shogi.