Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'one's strong point' often involves nouns like 得意 (tokui) or 長所 (chousho), or phrases describing what one is good at. The choice depends on whether you're talking about a skill, a personality trait, or a comparative advantage.
To talk about something you are skilled at or a subject you excel in, often in casual or semi-formal contexts.
Used to describe something one is good at, often a skill or subject. Commonly used in the pattern 〜が得意です.
私は数学が得意です。
I am good at math.
彼は料理が得意だ。
He is good at cooking.
The standard pattern for saying one is good at something. Replace 〜 with the thing you're good at.
英語が得意ですか？
Are you good at English?
Means 'skillful' or 'good at' a practical skill. Often used with the particle が. More about performance than innate ability.
彼女はピアノが上手だ。
She is good at piano.
To refer to a positive character trait or personal strength, often in formal or self-reflective contexts.
Refers to a strong point in terms of personality or character. Often used in job interviews or self-introductions.
私の長所は忍耐力です。
My strong point is perseverance.
長所と短所を教えてください。
Please tell me your strengths and weaknesses.
Literally 'strength', used in business or personal development contexts to mean a competitive advantage or forte.
To indicate a field or area where one specializes or has particular expertise.
Means 'specialty' or 'field of expertise'. Used for academic or professional strong points.
私の専門は日本史です。
My specialty is Japanese history.
Polite form of 得意, often used in business to refer to a regular customer or one's specialty. Can sound old-fashioned.
こちらが当店のお得意料理です。
This is our restaurant's specialty dish.
得意 (tokui) implies confidence and often self-assessment, while 上手 (jouzu) is more about observable skill and is often used to praise others. You wouldn't say 私は上手です about yourself as it sounds boastful; use 得意 instead.
私は料理が得意です。
I am good at cooking. (self-assessment)
あなたは料理が上手ですね。
You are good at cooking! (praising someone)
The literal translation 強い点 (tsuyoi ten) is not natural in Japanese. Use the words and phrases above depending on context.
彼の強みはリーダーシップだ。
His strong point is leadership.