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
器用な
きような (kiyou na)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "skillful" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 上手 and 器用な.
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, 器用な (きような (kiyou na)) maps to "skillful; handy; dexterous" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A な-adjective describing someone who is good at using their hands, performing tasks with skill, or generally being able to handle various things well. Often contrasts with 不器用. 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 "器用な"
彼女は手先がとても器用で、細かい作業が得意です。
She is very dexterous with her hands and is good at detailed work.
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.". "器用な" represents "skillful; handy; dexterous".