Japanese word

天才

Pronunciation

Romajitensai

Meaning

  • noungenius

Example

姉は天才です。ane wa ten sai de su

My older sister is a genius.

Illustration for 天才 (genius)

More examples

彼は天才として知られています。kare wa ten sai to shi te shi ra re te i ma su

He is known as a genius.

Core concept

Describes an inborn ability that lets someone perform far beyond the usual level.

Common phrases

  • 天才と呼ばれるten sai to yo ba re ru

    be called a genius

  • 天才の発想ten sai no has sō

    a genius's idea

  • 天才を育てるten sai o soda te ru

    nurture a genius

Similar words

秀才shūsai: A highly capable person known especially for academic achievement.

Definition in Japanese

生まれつきの才能により、普通の人には及ばないほど優れた能力を持つ人。u ma re tsu ki no sai nō ni yo ri fu tsū no hito ni wa oyo ba na i ho do sugu re ta nō ryoku o mo tsu hito

Word origin

天才 (tensai) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 天 (ten, "heaven") and 才 (sai, "talent"), referring to exceptional natural ability.

Usage tips

  • In everyday English, genius can also be an enthusiastic compliment for a clever idea or solution, not only a description of a person.

Other meanings

  • prodigynoun

Opposites

  • 凡才bonsaimediocritynoun

Related words

  • 天才的tensaitekigenius-likena-adjective
  • 天才性tensaiseigeniusnoun

Word lists with this word