Translation guide
Describes someone who is skilled, competent, or capable in a particular area, often through training or practice. Japanese expresses this with adjectives, verbs, and nouns that vary by formality and context.
To say someone is good at or skilled in a particular activity or subject.
The most common and neutral way to say someone is good at something. Often used with the particle が.
He is good at cooking.
I want to become proficient in English.
Emphasizes that someone is confident or strong in a skill. Often used for self-description without sounding boastful.
I'm good at math.
Means proficient or skilled, often implying a high level of competence. Can also mean 'fluent' in a language.
She is proficient in French.
Means skilled or experienced, often used for technical or manual skills. Sounds formal and is common in written contexts.
a proficient craftsman
To describe someone as highly competent or proficient in a professional or technical sense.
Means capable or competent, often used in work or organizational contexts.
He is a proficient engineer.
As above, but emphasizes mastery. Often used with languages or specialized skills.
Means to be well-versed or knowledgeable in a field. Used with に.
He is proficient in law.
To specifically describe language proficiency.
A casual, onomatopoeic word meaning fluent or speaking smoothly. Very common in conversation.
He is fluent in Japanese.
A more formal term for fluency, often used in written descriptions or formal speech.
As above, can mean proficient in a language, often implying reading/writing as well.
上手 (じょうず) is a general compliment meaning 'good at,' but can sound like you are evaluating someone from above. 得意 (とくい) means 'strong point' and is safer for describing yourself or asking about others' strengths. Use 上手 for praising others, 得意 for talking about your own skills.
You are good at cooking!
I'm good at cooking (it's my strong point).
English 'proficient' often maps to multiple Japanese expressions depending on context. Direct translations like プロフィシェント are not used. Choose the word that matches the nuance: skill (上手), confidence (得意), fluency (ペラペラ), or formal competence (堪能).
彼は複数の言語に堪能です。
He is proficient in multiple languages.
彼女は流暢な英語を話す。
She speaks fluent English.
彼は中国語に堪能です。
He is proficient in Chinese.