Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "手際" vs "能率"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
手際
てぎわ (tegiwa)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
能率
のうりつ (nōritsu)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 手際 and 能率 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
手際 (てぎわ (tegiwa)) represents "skill, knack, dexterity, way of doing things (skillfully)" (Level: N2) and typically represents Refers to how well or skillfully a task is performed, often implying speed and efficiency. Can be used to praise or criticize someone's execution of work..
On the other hand, 能率 (のうりつ (nōritsu)) translates to "efficiency" (Level: N2) and is used for Measures how effectively work is done, often in terms of output per unit of effort or time. Focuses on productivity and maximizing results with minimal resources.. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "手際"
彼女は料理の手際が良い。
She is skillful at cooking.
Bilingual Sentence for "能率"
仕事の能率を上げる。
To increase work efficiency.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は料理の ＿＿＿ が良い。" (Meaning: "She is skillful at cooking.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手際" fits here because it represents "skill, knack, dexterity, way of doing things (skillfully)" in the context: "She is skillful at cooking.".