How to say "talent" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 才能さいのうnounThe default word for 'talent' as natural, recognizable ability in a person, especially in art, study, or work. Use this when praising or describing someone's gifts: a person of great talent.
- 能のうnounChiefly the name of the classical Noh theater; as a noun of ability it appears mostly in set expressions and compounds. For 'talent' in ordinary speech this is seldom the word you want.
- 素質そしつnounThe makings or aptitude someone is born with, before training or achievement. Use it when talking about innate qualities that suggest future promise, such as an aptitude for music or medicine.
- 技量ぎりょうnounMeasured ability or competency at a practical task — how skilled someone actually is rather than how gifted. Typical of assessing athletes, professionals, or operators against a standard.
- 才さいnounA compact, literary word for gift or quick wit, common in set phrases. As a free-standing word for 'talent' it is marginal; 才能 or 才能豊かな phrasing is usually what you want.
Use 才能 for developed natural ability, 素質 for raw potential, 技量 for skill level, and 才 as a compact literary form; 能 rarely means 'talent' and chiefly names the Noh theater.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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