Translation guide
A person who can do many different types of work but is not necessarily an expert in any. Japanese expressions range from positive versatility to negative 'dabbler' nuance.
Describing someone who can handle many different tasks competently, without negative judgment.
Literally 'anything shop/person'. A common, neutral term for someone who does a bit of everything. Can be used for handymen, generalists, or versatile workers.
He's the jack of all trades at the company.
My dad is a jack of all trades; he can do repairs and cooking.
Means 'many arts/skills'. Often used in the phrase 多芸は無芸 (many skills, no mastery), but can be used positively in context.
Means 'all-purpose' or 'versatile'. Often used as a noun modifier (万能選手, 万能タイプ).
Criticizing someone who tries many things but lacks depth or expertise.
Literally 'skillful poverty'. Describes someone who is good at many things but never achieves success or wealth because they lack specialization. Strongly negative.
He's a jack of all trades, master of none; everything is half-baked.
Means 'wide but shallow'. Describes knowledge or skills that cover many areas but lack depth.
His knowledge is broad but shallow.
Proverb: 'Many skills, no skill.' Equivalent to 'jack of all trades, master of none.'
Referring to someone who does various small repair or maintenance jobs, often as a profession.
Literally 'convenience shop/person'. A handyman service or person who does odd jobs. Can also refer to a general helper.
When moving, I called a handyman.
A person in charge of miscellaneous tasks; an odd-job person. Often used in office or organizational contexts.
New employees are odd-job people for a while.
何でも屋 is neutral or slightly positive, describing a versatile person. 器用貧乏 is negative, implying wasted talent due to lack of focus. Use 何でも屋 for a handyman or generalist, and 器用貧乏 when criticizing someone who never specializes.
The English phrase 'jack of all trades' has no direct single-word equivalent. Translating it literally as ジャックの全ての貿易 would be nonsense. Use the expressions above based on the intended nuance.
He is a person of many talents.
彼は万能選手だ。
He's an all-rounder.
They say a jack of all trades is master of none, so you should focus on one thing.