Translation guide
Describes someone who is competent, skilled, or able to handle tasks effectively. Japanese offers several nuanced terms depending on the type of capability and context.
Describing someone who is generally capable, competent, or good at what they do.
Literally 'capable person'. A straightforward, neutral term for someone with ability and competence, often used in professional contexts.
He is a capable person.
Colloquial and very common. 'Person who can do things' – implies practical ability and reliability. Often used in workplace settings.
Tanaka-san is a really capable person, isn't he?
Noun/adjectival noun meaning 'competent' or 'capable'. Often used in formal descriptions or resumes.
Literally 'quick arm', meaning 'shrewd' or 'able'. Often used for businesspeople, lawyers, etc. Implies sharpness and efficiency.
Emphasizing high skill, talent, or expertise in a specific area.
Means 'excellent person'. Highlights superior ability or talent, often used in academic or professional contexts.
He is a capable person (excellent human resource).
Literally 'skillful arm'. Refers to a person with proven skill, often in crafts, trades, or specific professions. Implies hands-on competence.
Literally 'doer'. Refers to a go-getter, someone capable and effective, often in business or negotiation. Can have a slightly aggressive nuance.
Focusing on trustworthiness and the ability to be counted on.
有能 (yuunou) is more formal and often used in written contexts or evaluations. できる (dekiru) is colloquial and widely used in spoken Japanese to praise someone's practical ability.
Directly translating 'capable person' as 可能な人 (kanou na hito) is unnatural. 可能 means 'possible', not 'capable' in the sense of personal ability.
彼女は非常に有能だ。
She is very capable.
敏腕な経営者
a capable manager
腕利きの職人
a capable craftsman
彼はなかなかのやり手だ。
He's quite a capable person.
She's a capable (steady) person, so I feel at ease.