Korean word

천재

Pronunciation

Romanizationcheonjae

Meaning

  • noungenius

Example

그는 천재예요.keu neun cheon jae ye yo

He is a genius.

Illustration for 천재 (genius)

More examples

어릴 때부터 주변 사람들은 그를 천재라고 불렀어요.eo ril ttae bu teo chu byeon sa ram deu reun keu reul cheon jae ra go pul leo sseo yo

Since childhood, people around him called him a genius.

Core concept

A person whose natural ability is far beyond ordinary skill, often in a particular area.

Common phrases

  • 천재라고 말하다cheon jae ra go mal ha da

    call someone a genius

  • 천재라고 평가되다cheon jae ra go pyeong ga doe da

    be regarded as a genius

  • 수학 천재su hak cheon jae

    math genius

Similar words

재능chaeneung: A special ability that allows someone to perform especially well in one area.
영재yeongjae: A child with unusually advanced intellectual or learning abilities.
수재sujae: A person known for outstanding academic ability and achievement.
달인tarin: A highly skilled person who has mastered an activity through long experience.

Definition in Korean

타고난 능력이나 재주가 매우 뛰어난 사람을 이르는 말.ta go nan neung nyeo gi na chae ju ga mae u ttwi eo nan sa ra meul i reu neun mal

Word origin

This Sino-Korean word combines elements meaning heaven and talent, suggesting talent given from above.

Usage tips

  • In everyday speech, it can be an enthusiastic compliment or playful exaggeration, not only a serious judgment of exceptional ability.

Opposites

  • 평범함pyeongbeomhamordinarinessnoun

Related words

  • 천재성cheonjaeseonggeniusnoun
  • 천재적으로cheonjaejeogeurobrilliantlyadverb

Word lists with this word