tin1 zi1天資天资
Jyutpingtin1 zi1
Yaletīn jī
Definition
Natural gift, talent, or innate disposition.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on innate ability or potential rather than skills acquired through hard work. While it often appears in formal contexts like school reports, it is perfectly natural in daily conversation when discussing someone's inherent aptitude for a subject or hobby.
Examples
He already had a lot of natural talent when he was young.
Do you think he has the natural talent to learn the piano?
Related words
Common phrases
naturally gifted and intelligent
Common mistake
Avoid confusing this with 聰明, which refers to general intelligence or cleverness. 天資 implies a latent, natural capacity that might need development, whereas 聰明 describes a state of being smart.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
