人才

• Pinyin: rén cái
• Hanzi breakdown: 人 = pictograph of a standing person; 才 = originally a sprout emerging from the earth, meaning innate ability

Meaning

Talented person; talent; skilled professional. Someone with exceptional ability or expertise.

Used broadly for skilled, capable people that organizations want to attract and retain. Very common in business, education, and government contexts: 人才市场 (job fair/talent market), 人才培养 (talent cultivation), 引进人才 (attract talent). Also used colloquially as a compliment for someone who is impressive or clever.

Examples

1. 这家公司非常重视人才的培养。 This company places great importance on cultivating talent.
2. 大城市吸引了大量的人才。 Big cities have attracted a large number of talented people.
3. 他真是个人才，什么问题都能解决。 He's truly talented — he can solve any problem.

Usage Guide

Context: business, education, compliments, government

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 我们公司需要更多的技术人才。(Our company needs more technical talent.)
• 你真是个人才啊！(You're really something — so talented!)

Don't Say

• 这个小孩是一个人才。(Be careful using 人才 for young children — it usually refers to professionally capable adults. For gifted children, say 天才 (genius) or 有天分.)

Origin & History

人 means person; 才 means ability or talent. Together they describe a person of exceptional ability — someone whose talent makes them stand out.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal