Meaning and Usage
The Korean word '천재' (cheonjae) means 'genius'—a person with exceptional talent or intelligence. It is commonly used to describe someone outstanding in fields like music, mathematics, art, or other intellectual areas.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '천재' used to praise someone's natural ability or creativity, such as '수학 천재' (math genius) or '음악 천재' (music genius). It can also describe brilliant ideas as '천재적인 아이디어'.
Collocations and Patterns
- 천재적인 + noun: emphasizes the genius quality of something (e.g., 천재적인 아이디어)
- 수학 천재, 음악 천재: common compound nouns to specify the field of genius
Register and Nuance
'천재' is a neutral term used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a strong compliment and implies natural talent rather than learned skill.
Common Mistake
Do not confuse '천재' with '천재지변' (natural disaster). The former means 'genius,' while the latter refers to disasters like floods or earthquakes.