Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Skillful" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "skillful", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
巧み
たくみ (takumi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
能筆
のうひつ (nouhitsu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "skillful" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 巧み and 能筆.
In Japanese, 巧み (たくみ (takumi)) is typically associated with "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.
On the other hand, 能筆 (のうひつ (nouhitsu)) maps to "skillful writer or calligrapher" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "skillful" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
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.
Bilingual Context for "能筆"
私は能筆に興味があります。
I am interested in skillful writer or calligrapher.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼女は ＿＿＿ な話術で聴衆を魅了した。" (Meaning: "She captivated the audience with her skillful way of speaking.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "巧み" fits here because it means "skillful, clever, ingenious" in the context of: "She captivated the audience with her skillful way of speaking.". "能筆" represents "skillful writer or calligrapher".