Quadruple VS
Synonym Boundary: "上手な", "巧妙", "巧み", "達筆"
All represent the core concept "skillful", but require precise selection.
Japanese Option A
上手な
じょうずな (jōzuna)
N4 / 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 "上手な", "巧妙", "巧み", "達筆" based on context.
- 上手な (じょうずな (jōzuna) - Level: N4): Maps to "skillful, good at, adept" and is used when Used to describe someone else's skill. Rarely used for oneself unless being humble or sarcastic. Often followed by が.
- 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 "上手な"
田中さんは料理が上手です。
Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.
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: "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" is correct here because it represents "skillful, good at, adept" in the context: "Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.".