Translation guide
The ability to do something well, often in a professional or practical context. Japanese expresses this through nouns for skill, ability, and qualifications, as well as set phrases describing capability.
Describing someone's overall capability or proficiency in a field.
A broad term for ability or capacity. Often used in formal contexts.
彼は高い能力を持っている。
He has high competence.
Emphasizes practical ability or caliber, often in professional settings.
彼の力量が問われている。
His competence is being tested.
Real ability or true competence, often contrasted with appearance or credentials.
彼女は実力のある弁護士だ。
She is a lawyer of real competence.
Referring to the skills and knowledge required for a specific job or task.
Professional competence or expertise in a specialized field.
この仕事には高い専門能力が必要だ。
This job requires high professional competence.
Skill or proficiency, often in a craft or technical area.
彼の技量は認められている。
His competence is recognized.
Ability or competence in handling affairs; often used for managerial or political skill.
The legal authority or qualification to perform certain acts.
Authority or competence in a legal or organizational sense.
この問題は私の権限を超えている。
This matter is beyond my competence.
Qualification or certification that grants competence to perform a role.
The ability to use a language correctly, often discussed in linguistics or education.
Language competence or proficiency.
彼の言語能力は高い。
His linguistic competence is high.
Foreign language competence or skill.
Being good enough to meet a standard, without implying brilliance.
Adequate competence; enough ability to do the job.
彼は十分な能力がある。
He has sufficient competence.
A certain level of competence; decent ability.
彼はそれなりの力を持っている。
He has a decent level of competence.
能力 is the most general term for ability. 実力 emphasizes actual, demonstrated ability, often in contrast to theoretical knowledge or reputation. 力量 is used for practical competence, especially in professional or leadership roles.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'competence'. Choose the term that best fits the context: 能力 for general ability, 権限 for legal authority, 資格 for qualifications, etc.
His political competence was appreciated.
He has the competence to practice medicine.
I want to improve my language competence.