創造性
sōzōsei[so̞ːzo̞ːse̞ː]
Creativity in Japanese is 創造性 (sōzōsei). Wiktionary also lists 創造力 (sōzōryoku).
Meaning: quality or ability to create or invent something (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 創造性 | sōzōsei | [so̞ːzo̞ːse̞ː] (narrow) |
| 創造力 | sōzōryoku |
The term refers to the quality or ability to create or invent something.
What does it mean word for word?
創造性 (sōzōsei) is composed of 創造 (sōzō), meaning creation and 性 (sei), meaning nature or quality. 創造力 (sōzōryoku) is composed of 創造 (sōzō), meaning creation and 力 (ryoku), meaning power or ability.
Which one should you use?
創造性 refers to the abstract quality or characteristic of being creative. In contrast, 創造力 emphasizes the actual capacity or power to produce something new.
How do you pronounce it?
sōzōsei
Did you know?
- In many Japanese schools, the 'creativity' encouraged in art class is often centered on 'skillful imitation' as a prerequisite to original creation.
- While 創造性 focuses on the essence of being creative, a person who possesses high 'creativity' might be described as having センス (sensu), a loanword from 'sense' that implies an innate, stylish intuition.
- While 創造性 is the direct translation for 'creativity', Japanese speakers often use the word 工夫 (kufū) to describe the creative process of tinkering or finding a clever workaround.
Examples in context
- 言語習得には創造力が必要だ。Language acquisition requires creativity.This sentence shows the use of 創造力 in the context of language acquisition.Tatoeba #174720 by KK_kaku_, translation #239748 by CM
- 創造力とは、既に知られている要素を、意外な方法で組み合わせる能力である。Creativity is taking things that are already known and combining them in an extraordinary way.This sentence provides a definition for 創造力 regarding the combination of known elements.Tatoeba #4865457 by guijiu, translation #5906965 by usagi
- 彼女は創造性に富んでいるShe is rich in creativity.
- 彼の独創性には驚かされるI am amazed by his originality.
- 彼のクリエイティビティには感銘を受けるI am impressed by his creativity.
- 彼の作品には豊かな創造性が感じられる。Kare no sakuhin ni wa yutaka na sōzōsei ga kanjirareru.A rich creativity can be felt in his works.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are discussing a project at school.
- 結衣 Yuiこのデザイン、もっと創造性が必要だね。kono dezain, motto sōzōsei ga hitsuyō da ne.This design needs more creativity, doesn't it?
- 蓮 Renそうだね。どうすればいいと思う？sō da ne. dō sureba ii to omou?You're right. What do you think we should do?
- 結衣 Yui他のアイデアを自由に組み合わせてみよう。hoka no aidia o jiyū ni kumiawasete miyō.Let's try combining other ideas freely.
- 蓮 Renいい考えだね。やってみよう。ii kangae da ne. yatte miyō.That's a good idea. Let's do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “creativity” translations and entries 創造性, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
