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
巧み
たくみ (takumi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "skillful" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 上手な and 巧み.
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, 巧み (たくみ (takumi)) maps to "skillful, clever, ingenious" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Highlights a high level of skill or ingenuity, especially in intricate or delicate tasks. Can be used as 巧みな. 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 "巧み"
彼女は巧みな話術で聴衆を魅了した。
She captivated the audience with her skillful way of speaking.
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.". "巧み" represents "skillful, clever, ingenious".