tin1 fu3天賦天赋
Jyutpingtin1 fu3
Yaletīn fu
Definition
Inborn, innate, or gifted from birth.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to natural abilities that seem present from birth rather than skills acquired through practice. It often carries a sense of admiration or envy regarding someone's effortless success in a particular field. While it functions as an adjective, it is frequently used in the structure 有天賦 to describe a person's inherent potential.
Examples
He is truly gifted at singing.
Do you think he is a gifted painter?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe physical traits or personality quirks, as it is strictly reserved for talents, skills, or intellectual capabilities. It should not be confused with 天生, which is a broader term for anything innate, including physical characteristics like eye color.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
