adjective HSK 4
yǒu cái
talented · gifted · capable

Meaning

This adjective describes someone who possesses talent, ability, or skill. It's a shortened form of 有才华 (yǒu cái huá) and is commonly used in spoken Mandarin to compliment someone's abilities or creative talents. The term emphasizes natural aptitude combined with developed skills.

Usage

Often used as a casual compliment in everyday conversation, especially among younger speakers. Can describe artistic, intellectual, or professional talents. Frequently appears in phrases like 真有才 (zhēn yǒu cái - 'so talented!') as an exclamation of admiration.

Examples

  1. 01
    他真有才,一个人就能完成整个项目。
    zhēn yǒu cái, rén jiù néng wán chéng zhěng xiàng .
    He's really talented; he can complete the entire project by himself.
  2. 02
    你太有才了,这个设计太棒了!
    tài yǒu cái le, zhè ge shè tài bàng le!
    You're so talented! This design is amazing!

Characters

Common collocations

  • 有才
    zhēn yǒu cái
    really talented
  • 有才
    tài yǒu cái le
    so talented
  • 有才
    hěn yǒu cái
    very talented

Antonyms

Origin

Literally means 'to have talent.' The character 才 originally depicted a sprout breaking through soil, symbolizing emerging potential and natural ability.

Related