synonym Comparative
上手な
VS
冴える
Differences Between "上手な" and "冴える"
Option A
上手な
Meaning
skillful, good at, adept
Reading
じょうずな (jōzuna)
Syllabus Level
N4
Practical Example
田中さんは料理が上手です。
Mr. Tanaka is good at cooking.
Option B
冴える
Meaning
to be clear; to be bright; to be sharp (e.g., mind, air); to become skillful
Reading
さえる (saeru)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
冬の朝は空気が冴えている。
The air is clear on winter mornings.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(skillful, good at, adept)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 上手な: Used to describe someone else's skill. Rarely used for oneself unless being humble or sarcastic. Often followed by が (ga) to indicate what one is good at.
- 冴える: Intransitive verb. Used to describe something becoming clear, sharp, or brilliant, often related to senses, mind, weather, or improving one's skill. It implies a heightened state or clarity.
- 上手な: Used to describe someone else's skill. Rarely used for oneself unless being humble or sarcastic. Often followed by が (ga) to indicate what one is good at.
- 冴える: Intransitive verb. Used to describe something becoming clear, sharp, or brilliant, often related to senses, mind, weather, or improving one's skill. It implies a heightened state or clarity.
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