Lesson 58 Talent

ポイント
タレント is a common loan-word in Japanese. However, it is used differently in Japanese and English, as Machiko finds out.

ダイアログ
Machiko: I’m really excited about this weekend. I’ve reserved an appointment with a famous beautician in Shibuya! Many talents go to her.
Mariah: You mean she has many talents?

解説
In Japanese, “タレント” means a TV personality or entertainer. So Machiko should say “Many TV personalities go to her.” In English, “talent” primarily describes a natural ability, such as singing and playing sports well. This is why Mariah asks “You mean she has many talents?” Confusingly, however, “talent” can mean a talented individual (“Emma Watson is a major talent”) or a group of TV or movie actors (“All of Hollywood’s talent attends the Academy Awards”).