天才

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天才 [2025/08/09 03:15] – created xiaoer天才 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== tiāncái: 天才 - Genius, Talent, Prodigy ====== +
-===== Quick Summary ===== +
-  * **Keywords:** tiāncái, 天才, Chinese word for genius, what is tiancai, tiancai meaning, Chinese talent, gifted child in Chinese, tiāncái pinyin, prodigy in Chinese, 天才 vs 聪明. +
-  * **Summary:** Discover the meaning of **天才 (tiāncái)**, the powerful Chinese word for "genius" or "prodigy." More than just being smart, **天才 (tiāncái)** describes a person with extraordinary, innate ability, often seen as a gift from heaven. This page explores its cultural significance, how to use it in modern conversation to praise someone's incredible talent, and how it differs from related words like **聪明 (cōngming)**, "smart." +
-===== Core Meaning ===== +
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** tiān cái +
-  * **Part of Speech:** Noun, Adjective +
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 +
-  * **Concise Definition:** A person with outstanding, innate talent or ability; a genius. +
-  * **In a Nutshell:** **天才 (tiāncái)** literally translates to "heaven's talent." It's a strong word reserved for someone whose abilities are so exceptional they seem almost supernatural or heaven-sent. It implies that their skill is not just a product of hard work, but a natural, inborn gift. Think of figures like Einstein or Mozart—that's the level of **天才**. +
-===== Character Breakdown ===== +
-  * **天 (tiān):** This character's primary meaning is "sky" or "heaven." In this context, it implies that the talent is natural, bestowed by a higher power, or "from the heavens." +
-  * **才 (cái):** This character means "talent," "ability," or "gift." It refers to a person's inherent capabilities. +
-  * Together, **天才 (tiāncái)** paints a vivid picture of a "heaven-sent talent," someone whose genius is a natural and extraordinary gift. +
-===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== +
-In Chinese culture, which deeply values education and achievement, the concept of **天才 (tiāncái)** holds a special, almost mythical, status. While hard work (**努力 - nǔlì**) is highly praised as a path to success for ordinary people, a **天才** is seen as operating on a different level, born with the tools for greatness. +
-This can create immense societal and family pressure on a child labeled a **天才**. They are expected to excel effortlessly and achieve great things, representing the hopes of their family or even the nation. +
-A useful comparison to a Western concept is the idea of a "prodigy." However, the Chinese **天才** has a stronger implication of its source: "heaven" (**天**). This isn't necessarily religious but points to a deep cultural belief in natural order and innate ability. While a Western "genius" might be stereotyped as eccentric or a rebellious non-conformist (like Van Gogh), the ideal **天才** in a traditional Chinese context is often expected to use their gifts to contribute to society in a structured and recognized way. +
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== +
-**天才 (tiāncái)** is a powerful word, but it's used in a few distinct ways in modern conversation. +
-  * **Sincere, High Praise:** When used seriously, it's reserved for people of truly exceptional ability. You would use it to describe world-famous scientists, artists, or a classmate who solves impossible math problems with ease. +
-    * e.g., //"爱因斯坦是一个真正的天才。" (Àiyīnsītǎn shì yí gè zhēnzhèng de tiāncái.) - "Einstein was a true genius."// +
-  * **Exaggeration / Casual Compliment:** It can be used hyperbolically to praise a friend for a clever or quick solution to an everyday problem. The tone makes it clear you don't literally mean they are the next Einstein. +
-    * e.g., //"You figured out how to fix my phone in two minutes? 你真是个天才!" (Nǐ zhēn shì ge tiāncái!)// +
-  * **Sarcasm:** Like in English, you can call someone a "genius" sarcastically after they've done something foolish. +
-    * e.g., //"You locked the keys in the car? 你可真是个天才。" (Nǐ kě zhēn shì ge tiāncái.)// +
-===== Example Sentences ===== +
-  * **Example 1:** +
-    * 他被公认为是一个数学**天才**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā bèi gōngrèn wéi shì yí ge shùxué **tiāncái**. +
-    * English: He is widely recognized as a mathematical genius. +
-    * Analysis: A formal and sincere use of the term, stating a recognized fact about someone's exceptional ability in a specific field. +
-  * **Example 2:** +
-    * 你能想出这个主意，真是个**天才**！ +
-    * Pinyin: Nǐ néng xiǎng chū zhè ge zhǔyi, zhēn shì ge **tiāncái**! +
-    * English: You're truly a genius for coming up with this idea! +
-    * Analysis: This is a common, informal way to give a strong compliment. It's likely an exaggeration, used to express admiration for a clever thought. +
-  * **Example 3:** +
-    * 很多人说莫扎特是一位音乐**天才**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Hěn duō rén shuō Mòzhātè shì yí wèi yīnyuè **tiāncái**. +
-    * English: Many people say Mozart was a musical genius. +
-    * Analysis: Here, **天才** is used to describe a historical figure known for being a prodigy. The measure word **位 (wèi)** adds a layer of respect. +
-  * **Example 4:** +
-    * 他是个**天才**，可惜太懒了，浪费了自己的天赋。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā shì ge **tiāncái**, kěxī tài lǎn le, làngfèi le zìjǐ de tiānfù. +
-    * English: He's a genius, but it's a pity he's too lazy and has wasted his natural talent. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence shows the potential negative side, highlighting the idea of a "wasted genius." It also introduces the related word **天赋 (tiānfù)**, meaning "innate talent." +
-  * **Example 5:** +
-    * 我们的新程序员简直是个编程**天才**，一天就修复了所有的bug。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒmen de xīn chéngxùyuán jiǎnzhí shì ge biānchéng **tiāncái**, yì tiān jiù xiūfù le suǒyǒu de bug. +
-    * English: Our new programmer is simply a coding genius; he fixed all the bugs in one day. +
-    * Analysis: A practical example from a workplace setting. **简直 (jiǎnzhí)** means "simply" or "practically," and it amplifies the compliment. +
-  * **Example 6:** +
-    * 把钱包忘在出租车上，我可真是个**天才**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Bǎ qiánbāo wàng zài chūzūchē shàng, wǒ kě zhēn shì ge **tiāncái**. +
-    * English: Leaving my wallet in the taxi, I'm a real genius. +
-    * Analysis: A clear example of sarcastic, self-deprecating usage. The context makes the true meaning obvious. +
-  * **Example 7:** +
-    * 她从小就展现出了非凡的艺术**天才**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā cóng xiǎo jiù zhǎnxiàn chū le fēifán de yìshù **tiāncái**. +
-    * English: From a young age, she showed extraordinary artistic genius. +
-    * Analysis: In this sentence, **天才** is used more like a quality or an abstract noun ("artistic genius") rather than just a label for a person. **非凡 (fēifán)** means "extraordinary." +
-  * **Example 8:** +
-    * 不是每个聪明的孩子都是**天才**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Bú shì měi ge cōngming de háizi dōu shì **tiāncái**. +
-    * English: Not every smart child is a genius. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence directly illustrates the difference between being smart (**聪明 cōngming**) and being a genius (**天才**). +
-  * **Example 9:** +
-    * 成为一个**天才**有时候是一种巨大的压力。 +
-    * Pinyin: Chéngwéi yí ge **tiāncái** yǒu shíhou shì yì zhǒng jùdà de yālì. +
-    * English: Being a genius can sometimes be a huge pressure. +
-    * Analysis: This touches upon the cultural weight and expectations associated with the term. +
-  * **Example 10:** +
-    * 他是不是**天才**我不知道，但他绝对是我见过最努力的人。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā shì bu shì **tiāncái** wǒ bù zhīdào, dàn tā juéduì shì wǒ jiàn guo zuì nǔlì de rén. +
-    * English: I don't know if he's a genius or not, but he is definitely the most hardworking person I've ever seen. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence sets up the classic contrast between innate talent (**天才**) and hard work (**努力 nǔlì**), a common theme in discussions about success. +
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== +
-The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing **天才 (tiāncái)** with **聪明 (cōngming)**. +
-  * **天才 (tiāncái) vs. 聪明 (cōngming):** +
-    * **聪明 (cōngming)** means "smart" or "clever." It's an everyday compliment for someone who learns quickly, is witty, or makes good decisions. Your friend who is good at puzzles is **聪明**. +
-    * **天才 (tiāncái)** means "genius." It's reserved for rare, world-class, innate brilliance. The person who develops a new theorem in physics is a **天才**. +
-    * **Incorrect Usage:** //我的狗很会接球，它是个天才！// (Wǒ de gǒu hěn huì jiē qiú, tā shì ge tiāncái!) +
-    * **Why it's wrong:** While you might say "My dog is a genius!" in English, it's far too strong in Chinese. You should say the dog is **很聪明 (hěn cōngming)**. Using **天才** here sounds strange and overly dramatic. +
-  * **天才 (tiāncái) vs. 人才 (réncái):** +
-    * **人才 (réncái)** means "talented person" or "skilled personnel." It's a practical term used in business and HR to describe a valuable, competent employee or expert. An accountant is a valuable **人才** for a company. +
-    * A **天才** is an exceptionally rare type of **人才**, but most **人才** are not geniuses. **人才** is achieved through skill and experience; **天才** is an innate gift. +
-===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== +
-  * [[聪明]] (cōngming) - Smart, clever. The everyday word for intelligence; much weaker than **天才**. +
-  * [[人才]] (réncái) - Talented person; personnel. A key concept in the Chinese workplace, referring to a skilled and valuable person. +
-  * [[神童]] (shéntóng) - Child prodigy. A more specific term for a young **天才**, literally "godly child." +
-  * [[天赋]] (tiānfù) - Innate gift; natural talent. This is the //quality// that a **天才** possesses. (e.g., "He //has// a gift - 他有天赋"). +
-  * [[奇才]] (qícái) - A rare or remarkable talent. Very similar to **天才** but may emphasize the person's rarity. +
-  * [[鬼才]] (guǐcái) - "Ghostly talent." A genius known for their uncanny, unconventional, or maverick-like abilities, often in creative fields. +
-  * [[努力]] (nǔlì) - Hardworking; to strive. Often seen as the alternative path to success for those who are not a **天才**. +
-  * [[笨蛋]] (bèndàn) - Idiot; fool. A common antonym for both **天才** and **聪明**.+