Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Skillful" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "skillful", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
器用な
きような (kiyou na)
N3 / 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 器用な and 巧妙.
In Japanese, 器用な (きような (kiyou na)) is typically associated with "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.
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 "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.
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: "彼女は手先がとても器用で、細かい作業が得意です。" (Meaning: "She is very dexterous with her hands and is good at detailed work.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "器用な" fits here because it means "skillful; handy; dexterous" in the context of: "She is very dexterous with her hands and is good at detailed work.". "巧妙" represents "skillful, clever, ingenious, cunning".