Translation guide
Describes someone who is capable, competent, or skilled. Japanese often uses specific nouns, adjectives, or phrases depending on the context—such as general ability, talent, or reliability—rather than a single direct equivalent.
He is an able person.
She is a very capable person.
To refer to someone who is generally capable, competent, or gets things done well.
A standard, neutral way to say 'able person' or 'competent person'. 有能 means 'able/capable'.
He is an able person.
Very common in spoken Japanese. Literally 'person who can do it', implying competence and reliability.
Tanaka-san is a really capable person, isn't he?
Noun meaning 'ability' or 'competence', often used in formal contexts. Can stand alone to describe a person as 'able'.
Literally 'sharp arm', meaning 'able' or 'shrewd', often used for businesspeople or professionals. Somewhat formal.
To emphasize natural talent or high skill in a specific area.
Also works for talented individuals, though it leans more toward general competence.
She is a talented designer.
Directly means 'person with talent'. Natural and common.
We are looking for talented people.
As above, can be used attributively.
To describe someone who can be counted on, often in work or team settings.
有能 is more formal and often used in writing or official contexts. できる is casual and common in speech. Both mean 'able/capable', but できる carries a nuance of 'gets things done'.
The English phrase 'able person' can sound stiff if translated literally as できる人 in every context. Use 有能な人 for formal situations, and consider 才能のある人 for talent.
彼は有能だ。
He is able/competent.
敏腕な弁護士
an able lawyer
有能な若者
a talented young person