天賦

• Reading: てんぷ
• Romaji: tenpu
• Kanji breakdown: 天 (ten/ama) — heaven; 賦 (pu/fu) — bestow, confer, grant
• Pronunciation: /tem.pɯ/

Meaning

Natural; innate; God-given. Describes qualities, rights, or abilities bestowed at birth by nature or a higher power.

A formal noun or attributive modifier, often appearing in 天賦の才 (God-given talent) and 天賦の権利 (natural rights, as in Enlightenment philosophy). More abstract and philosophical than 天分, with 賦 carrying the sense of something formally conferred. Common in historical, legal, and literary contexts.

Examples

1. 天賦の才能を持つ芸術家でも努力を怠れば成長できない。 Even an artist with God-given talent cannot grow if they neglect hard work.
2. 人間には天賦の権利として自由が与えられているとされる。 It is held that human beings are endowed with freedom as a natural right.
3. その詩人は天賦の感性で自然を描き出した。 The poet depicted nature with a God-given sensitivity.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, literature, law

Tone: elevated

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 天 (heaven) and 賦 (bestow, levy, grant). 賦 originally referred to a tax or tribute assigned from above, then extended to mean any conferment.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Intellectual