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
巧妙
こうみょう (kōmyō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "skillful" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 上手 and 巧妙.
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, 巧妙 (こうみょう (kōmyō)) maps to "skillful, clever, ingenious, cunning" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Describes something done with great skill, ingenuity, or cleverness, often implying a sophisticated or artful approach. Can sometimes have a nuance of cunning or trickery.. 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 "巧妙"
巧妙な手口でだまされた。
I was tricked by a clever trick.
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.". "巧妙" represents "skillful, clever, ingenious, cunning".