Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Talented; Brilliant; Gifted: Possessing a high degree of natural ability, skill, or intelligence, especially in the arts, leadership, or a specific field. It implies exceptional competence and often a flair for excellence.
   • Able; Capable: Describing someone who is highly skilled and effective in their actions or profession.

2. Noun (less common):

   • Talent; Brilliance; Mastery: Refers to the exceptional skill or ability itself that a person possesses.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ấy là một nhà lãnh đạo tài ba. (He is a brilliant leader.)
  • Người nghệ sĩ tài ba đó đã có màn trình diễn đáng nhớ. (That talented artist gave a memorable performance.)
• Noun:
  • Anh ấy đã trổ hết tài ba để giải quyết vấn đề. (He used all his brilliance to solve the problem.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used in formal or literary contexts to express admiration for someone's superior capabilities. It carries a stronger, more commendatory connotation than the more general word "tài" (talent).
• Can be used in a slightly ironic or sarcastic way in informal speech to describe someone who is cunning or scheming, e.g., (He's very "gifted," always coming up with tricks.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tài (n): Talent, ability. A more general and common term.
• Tài hoa (adj): Talented, especially in artistic or elegant pursuits. Often overlaps with "tài ba" but can emphasize grace and refinement.
• Tài giỏi (adj): Competent, excellent, proficient. A very common synonym.
• Tài năng (n): Talent, genius (as a noun).

Synonyms

• Talented: Having a natural aptitude or skill.
• Brilliant: Exceptionally clever or talented.
• Gifted: Having exceptional natural ability.
• Skillful: Having or showing skill.
• Masterful: Performed or performing very skillfully.

Related Idioms

• Trổ hết tài ba: To show off all one's talent; to pull out all the stops.
  • Trong buổi phỏng vấn, cô ấy đã trổ hết tài ba. (During the interview, she showed off all her brilliance.)