栴せん檀だんは双ふた葉ばより芳かんばし

expression

genius shows from childhood; a great person's talent is evident early

Proverb meaning that exceptional people show their qualities from a young age, just as the fragrant Japanese bead tree (栴檀) is already fragrant when it first sprouts. The literal meaning is often explained when using the proverb.

• 彼かれは子こ供どもの頃ころから絵えが上手じょうずだった。まさに栴せん檀だんは双ふた葉ばより芳かんばしだ。

  He was good at drawing since he was a child. Truly, genius shows from childhood.

• 「栴せん檀だんは双ふた葉ばより芳かんばし」ということわざは、優すぐれた人ひとは幼おさない頃ころから才さい能のうを現あらわすという意い味みだ。

  The proverb 'the Japanese bead tree is fragrant from when a sprout' means that a talented person shows their ability from a young age.