Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Efficient" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "efficient", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
手際よい
てぎわよい (tegiwayoi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
動力因
どうりょくいん (douryokuin)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "efficient" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 手際よい and 動力因.
In Japanese, 手際よい (てぎわよい (tegiwayoi)) is typically associated with "efficient, skillful (in execution), dexterous" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes someone who handles tasks or work skillfully and efficiently, often resulting in good quality and speed..
On the other hand, 動力因 (どうりょくいん (douryokuin)) maps to "Efficient cause" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "efficient" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "手際よい"
彼女は料理の準備が手際よい。
She is efficient at preparing food.
Bilingual Context for "動力因"
私は動力因に興味があります。
I am interested in Efficient cause.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は料理の準備が ＿＿＿ 。" (Meaning: "She is efficient at preparing food.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "手際よい" fits here because it means "efficient, skillful (in execution), dexterous" in the context of: "She is efficient at preparing food.". "動力因" represents "Efficient cause".