Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "上手", "器用な", "巧妙な", "達筆"
All represent the core concept "skillful", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
上手
じょうず (jōzu)
N5 / CEFR
Japanese Option B
器用な
きような (kiyou na)
N3 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
巧妙な
こうみょうな (koumyouna)
B2 / CEFR
Japanese Option D
達筆
たっぴつ (tappitsu)
C2 / CEFR
Quadruple VS Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
When expressing "skillful" in Japanese, you must carefully distinguish between "上手", "器用な", "巧妙な", "達筆" based on context.
- 上手 (じょうず (jōzu) - Level: N5): Maps to "skillful, good at" and is used when な-adjective.
- 器用な (きような (kiyou na) - Level: N3): Maps to "skillful; handy; dexterous" and is used when 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.
- 巧妙な (こうみょうな (koumyouna) - Level: B2): Maps to "skillful, clever" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR B2 vocabulary syllabus..
- 達筆 (たっぴつ (tappitsu) - Level: C2): Maps to "skillful calligraphy" and is used when Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
Context for "上手"
彼は日本語がとても上手です。
He is very good at Japanese.
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.
Context for "巧妙な"
これはとても巧妙なですね。
This is very skillful, clever, isn't it?
Context for "達筆"
私は達筆に興味があります。
I am interested in skillful calligraphy.
Synonym Mastery Challenge
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" is correct here because it represents "skillful, good at" in the context: "He is very good at Japanese.".