Japanese word

才能

Pronunciation

Romajisainō

Meaning

  • nountalent

Example

彼には音楽の才能があります。kare ni wa on gaku no sai nō ga a ri ma su

He has a talent for music.

Illustration for 才能 (talent)

More examples

彼女は絵の才能を仕事で生かしています。kano jo wa e no sai nō o shi goto de i ka shi te i ma su

She is using her talent for art in her work.

Core concept

Describes a person's natural capacity to excel in a particular field.

Common phrases

  • 才能があるsai nō ga a ru

    have talent

  • 才能を伸ばすsai nō o no ba su

    develop one's talent

  • 才能を発揮するsai nō o hak ki su ru

    demonstrate one's talent

Similar words

素質soshitsu: A natural aptitude that can develop into high ability in a field.
能力nōryoku: The capacity to perform an action or handle a task.
実力jitsuryoku: The level of ability demonstrated by actual performance.

Definition in Japanese

生まれつき備わった、特定の分野で人より優れた能力。u ma re tsu ki sona wa tta toku tei no bun ya de hito yo ri sugu re ta nō ryoku

Word origin

才能 (sainō, "talent") combines 才 (sai, "ability") and 能 (nō, "capacity") to form a Sino-Japanese word for exceptional ability.

Usage tips

  • English often uses talent in the pattern "a talent for + field", while Japanese commonly uses 才能がある (sainō ga aru) for having this ability.

Other meanings

  • abilitynoun

Word lists with this word