synonym Comparative
巧妙
VS
老獪
Differences Between "巧妙" and "老獪"
Option A
巧妙
Meaning
skillful, clever, ingenious, cunning
Reading
こうみょう (kōmyō)
Syllabus Level
N2
Practical Example
巧妙な手口でだまされた。
I was tricked by a clever trick.
Option B
老獪
Meaning
old and cunning; wily; astute (often implying negative conniving)
Reading
ろうかい (rōkai)
Syllabus Level
N1
Practical Example
あの政治家は老獪な手腕で、いくつもの難局を乗り越えてきた。
That politician, with his wily tactics, has overcome many difficult situations.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(skillful, clever, ingenious, cunning)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 巧妙: 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.
- 老獪: 経験を積んでいて、物事の裏をかくなどずる賢い様子を表す。良い意味ではあまり使われず、策略的で手強い人物を指す。Describes someone who is experienced and shrewd, often in a cunning or sly way, especially in outsmarting others. Rarely used in a positive sense, usually referring to a formidable, strategic person.
- 巧妙: 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.
- 老獪: 経験を積んでいて、物事の裏をかくなどずる賢い様子を表す。良い意味ではあまり使われず、策略的で手強い人物を指す。Describes someone who is experienced and shrewd, often in a cunning or sly way, especially in outsmarting others. Rarely used in a positive sense, usually referring to a formidable, strategic person.
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