How to say "prodigy" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 天才てんさいnounThe default choice for 'prodigy' as a person: someone with extraordinary innate talent or brilliance, covering the 'genius' and 'natural gift' senses; a child of exceptional ability is naturally described with this word.
- 秀才しゅうさいno-adjectiveCovers 'prodigy' as a bright, high-achieving student rather than a transcendent genius; it often suggests ability built through steady study, and is commonly set against 天才, which implies rarer, more dazzling brilliance.エジソンは秀才ではなかった。↗Edison was not a bright student.
- 英俊えいしゅんnounA marginal match for 'prodigy': it really describes a man, typically young, whose striking looks are matched by talent and intelligence, so it is seldom the word you want for a gifted person.
- 驚異きょういno-adjectiveCovers 'prodigy' only in the sense of a marvel or wonder — something astonishing that inspires amazement, like the wonders of nature; it does not refer to a gifted person.
For a person of extraordinary talent, 天才 is the usual choice; 秀才 suggests a bright, studious achiever; 英俊 really describes a strikingly handsome, talented man; 驚異 is for marvels and wonders, not people.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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