Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "上手", "巧妙", "巧み", "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
巧妙
こうみょう (kōmyō)
N2 / CEFR
Japanese Option C
巧み
たくみ (takumi)
N2 / 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", "巧妙", "巧み", "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.
- 巧妙 (こうみょう (kōmyō) - Level: N2): Maps to "skillful, clever, ingenious, cunning" and is used when 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..
- 巧み (たくみ (takumi) - Level: N2): Maps to "skillful, clever, ingenious" and is used when Highlights a high level of skill or ingenuity, especially in intricate or delicate tasks. Can be used as 巧みな.
- 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 "巧妙"
巧妙な手口でだまされた。
I was tricked by a clever trick.
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.
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.".