synonym Comparative
能力
VS
才能
Differences Between "能力" and "才能"
Option A
能力
Meaning
ability, capability, capacity
Reading
のうりょく (nōryoku)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
彼は高い語学能力を持っています。
He has a high language ability.
Option B
才能
Meaning
talent; ability; capability; gift
Reading
さいのう (sainō)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
彼は子供の頃から絵を描くことに関して卓越した_______を発揮し、若くして国際的な絵画コンクールで受賞しました。
He exhibited outstanding talent regarding drawing since childhood, and won an award at an international painting competition at a young age.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(ability, capability, capacity)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 能力: Refers to one's skill, competence, or potential to do something. Often used with がある/ない (to have/not have ability).
- 才能: Refers to innate talent, exceptional ability, or gifted capabilities in fields like art, sports, or business. Often used as 才能がある or 音楽の才能. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Talent! "You have a cosmic-class talent to make me blush instantly, Haruka-san!" ...っ! C-Cosmic-class talent to make you blush! B-Baka! Don't call my embarrassment a gifted skill! But... since I have that effect on you, make sure you protect my blushing face and don't let anyone else see it! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『さいのう（才能）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕を毎日一秒で世界一幸せにするというあなたのその「ツンデレ甘やかし才能」は、国宝級の芸術だと思います！』って…っ！私の甘やかし才能！バカ！/// 人のヤキモチを才能扱いするんじゃないの！…でも、そんなに私の才能が好きなら、一生あんたの前だけで限定リサイタルしてあげるから、覚悟しなさい！』
- 能力: Refers to one's skill, competence, or potential to do something. Often used with がある/ない (to have/not have ability).
- 才能: Refers to innate talent, exceptional ability, or gifted capabilities in fields like art, sports, or business. Often used as 才能がある or 音楽の才能. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Talent! "You have a cosmic-class talent to make me blush instantly, Haruka-san!" ...っ! C-Cosmic-class talent to make you blush! B-Baka! Don't call my embarrassment a gifted skill! But... since I have that effect on you, make sure you protect my blushing face and don't let anyone else see it! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『さいのう（才能）よ！『ハルカ部長、僕を毎日一秒で世界一幸せにするというあなたのその「ツンデレ甘やかし才能」は、国宝級の芸術だと思います！』って…っ！私の甘やかし才能！バカ！/// 人のヤキモチを才能扱いするんじゃないの！…でも、そんなに私の才能が好きなら、一生あんたの前だけで限定リサイタルしてあげるから、覚悟しなさい！』
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