天赋

• Pinyin: tiān fù
• Hanzi breakdown: 天 = 一 + 大 — heaven; 赋 = 贝 (shell/wealth) + 武 (military) — to bestow, talent

Meaning

Natural gift; innate talent; to be endowed with natural ability.

Refers to exceptional abilities bestowed from birth. Slightly more literary and emphatic than 天分. Can be used as both noun (a talent) and verb (to be gifted with). Often associated with exceptional individuals in arts, sports, or intellect.

Examples

1. 他有着过人的音乐天赋，五岁就能作曲。 He has extraordinary musical talent — he could compose at age five.
2. 教练说这个球员天赋异禀，前途无量。 The coach says this player is exceptionally gifted with a limitless future.
3. 再好的天赋如果不加以培养，也会被浪费掉。 Even the best natural talent will be wasted if not cultivated.

Usage Guide

Context: talent, sports, arts

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 他很有天赋。(He's very talented.)
• 这是天赋使然。(This is due to natural talent.)

Don't Say

• 把任何能力都归结为'天赋' (Don't attribute all abilities to 天赋 — distinguish between innate and learned skills)

Origin & History

天 means heaven, 赋 means to bestow or endow — gifts bestowed by heaven.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal