Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Skillful" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "skillful", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
上手
じょうず (jōzu)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
上手な
じょうずな (jōzuna)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "skillful" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 上手 and 上手な.
In Japanese, 上手 (じょうず (jōzu)) is typically associated with "skillful, good at" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents な-adjective.
On the other hand, 上手な (じょうずな (jōzuna)) maps to "skillful, good at, adept" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used to describe someone else's skill. Rarely used for oneself unless being humble or sarcastic. Often followed by が. A literal translation of "skillful" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "上手"
彼は日本語がとても上手です。
He is very good at Japanese.
Bilingual Context for "上手な"
田中さんは料理が上手です。
Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は日本語がとても ＿＿＿ です。" (Meaning: "He is very good at Japanese.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "上手" fits here because it means "skillful, good at" in the context of: "He is very good at Japanese.". "上手な" represents "skillful, good at, adept".