異端児
itanji
The Japanese word for maverick is 異端児 (itanji).
異端児 refers to someone who is unconventional or does not abide by rules. While it can be used negatively to mean a heretic, it is frequently used in a positive or admiring sense to describe a genius or a person who breaks new ground in a specific field like art, science or business.
Meaning: one who is unconventional or does not abide by rules (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
itanji
Did you know?
- The word 異端児 contains the character 児, which usually means 'child'. This implies that a maverick is often seen as someone with a youthful, rebellious spirit regardless of their actual age.
- In a corporate setting, calling someone an 異端児 can be a double-edged sword, as it acknowledges their results while subtly reminding them that they are not a 'team player'.
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, 異端児 is a common trope used to describe a character who possesses a power or skill that contradicts the established laws of their world.
Examples in context
- 彼は個性派の芸術家ですHe is an artist with a maverick style.
- 彼は変わり者だけど面白いよHe's an oddball, but he's interesting!
- 彼は業界の異端児だ。Kare wa gyōkai no itanji da.He is a maverick in the industry.
- あの若い作家は異端児と呼ばれている。Ano wakai sakka wa itanji to yobarete iru.That young writer is called a maverick.
- 組織の中に一人の異端児が必要だ。Soshiki no naka ni hitori no itanji ga hitsuyō da.A single maverick is needed within the organization.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new, unconventional manager.
- 陽葵 Himari新しい部長は、本当に異端児ですね。Atarashii buchō wa, hontō ni itanji desu ne.The new director is a real maverick, isn't he?
- 蓮 Renええ、やり方がとても独特です。Ee, yarikata ga totemo dokutoku desu.Yes, his way of doing things is very unique.
- 陽葵 Himariルールを気にしない姿勢がすごいです。Rūru o ki ni shinai shisei ga sugoi desu.His attitude of ignoring the rules is impressive.
- 蓮 Ren蓮として、刺激を受けています。Ren to shite, shigeki o ukete imasu.As Ren, I find it stimulating.
