天分

• Pinyin: tiān fèn
• Hanzi breakdown: 天 = 一 + 大 — heaven; 分 = 八 + 刀 — to divide, portion

Meaning

Natural talent; innate gift; aptitude.

Refers to abilities or potential one is born with, rather than acquired through learning. Similar to 天赋, but 天分 often emphasizes the share or portion of talent one has received. Used to describe artistic, intellectual, or physical aptitudes.

Examples

1. 这孩子画画很有天分，构图和色彩感都很出色。 This child has real talent for painting — excellent sense of composition and color.
2. 光有天分不够，还得后天努力才能成功。 Talent alone isn't enough; you also need hard work to succeed.
3. 他在数学方面没什么天分，但凭着刻苦也考上了好大学。 He has no natural aptitude for math, but through sheer diligence he got into a good university.

Usage Guide

Context: education, arts, talent

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 她很有音乐天分。(She has a natural talent for music.)
• 天分固然重要。(Natural talent is certainly important.)

Don't Say

• 把努力成果说成'天分' (Don't attribute hard-won skills to 天分 — it specifically means inborn ability)

Origin & History

天 means heaven, 分 means portion or share — the portion of ability allotted by heaven.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal