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Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Skillful" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "skillful", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

上手な

じょうずな (jōzuna)
N4 / 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 上手な and 器用な. In Japanese, 上手な (じょうずな (jōzuna)) is typically associated with "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. 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 "上手な"
田中さんは料理が上手です。
Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.
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: "田中さんは料理が上手です。" (Meaning: "Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "上手な" fits here because it means "skillful, good at, adept" in the context of: "Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.". "器用な" represents "skillful; handy; dexterous".

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