逸材

• Reading: いつざい
• Romaji: itsuzai
• Kanji breakdown: 逸 (outstanding/extraordinary) + 材 (talent/material) → exceptional talent, rare find
• Pronunciation: /i.tsu.za.i/

Meaning

Exceptional talent — a one-of-a-kind person whose abilities are outstanding and rare.

A formal-sounding word that packs a punch in casual contexts. 逸材 implies not just skill but rarity — this person is an extraordinary find. Often used in sports scouting, talent discussions, and fan culture with phrases like '10年に一人の逸材' (a talent that comes along once in a decade). Its slightly literary feel makes it a weighty, serious compliment.

Examples

1. こんな逸材が同じ会社にいるなんて。 I can't believe an exceptional talent like this is at the same company.
2. あの子は間違いなく逸材だよ。 That kid is without a doubt an exceptional talent.
3. 10年に一人の逸材って言われてるらしい。 Apparently they're called a once-in-a-decade talent.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, social media, workplace, fan culture

Tone: evaluative, impressed

Do Say

• あの新人は逸材だよ、将来が楽しみ。 (That rookie is an exceptional talent — their future is exciting.)
• 逸材揃いのチームだね。 (It's a team full of exceptional talent.)

Don't Say

• 本人に「逸材ですね」は堅すぎる場合がある (Saying 'itsuzai desu ne' directly can sound overly formal or evaluative)

Common Mistakes

• Mispronouncing as いちざい instead of いつざい

Origin & History

From 逸 (outstanding/extraordinary, also means to escape/surpass) + 材 (talent/material). A classical compound that has been used in Japanese literary and formal language for centuries. Its use in sports scouting and casual fan culture gives it a modern edge.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical term, popular in modern sports and talent discourse

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Common in sports commentary and talent discussions.