天才(てんさい)

天才(てんさい) refers to extraordinary natural talent or a person possessing such talent — a genius or prodigy.

Forms

天(てん) (heaven) + 才(さい) (talent). Literally "heavenly talent" — ability granted by nature rather than effort.

Common expressions

• 天才(てんさい)的(てき): genius-like, brilliant
• 天才(てんさい)児(じ): child prodigy
• 天才(てんさい)肌(はだ): having a genius temperament

Similar words

• 天才(てんさい): genius (innate, exceptional talent)
• 秀才(しゅうさい): talented person (through hard work and intelligence)
• 鬼才(きさい): extraordinary talent, maverick genius
• 才能(さいのう): talent, ability (general term)

Usage

The distinction between 天才(てんさい) (innate genius) and 秀才(しゅうさい) (brilliant through effort) is important in Japanese culture.