Translation guide
The English word 'skilful' (or 'skillful' in American English) describes someone who is good at doing something, especially because of practice and ability. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you are describing a person's general competence, manual dexterity, mastery of an art, or cleverness in handling situations.
Describing someone who is good at what they do in a broad sense, often due to experience or talent.
The most common and versatile word for 'good at' or 'skilful'. It can be used for a wide range of skills, from languages to sports to cooking. Often used in the pattern 〜が上手.
彼は料理が上手だ。
He is skilful at cooking.
彼女は日本語が上手ですね。
She is skilful at Japanese, isn't she?
A more casual synonym for 上手, often used in spoken Japanese. It can also mean 'delicious' when referring to food, so context is important. Implies a natural, effortless skill.
A more formal and literary term emphasizing dexterity, craftsmanship, or ingenious skill. Often used to describe techniques, handiwork, or clever manipulation.
Focusing on the ability to use one's hands or body with precision and coordination.
Describes someone who is handy, dexterous, or good with their hands. It can also mean being versatile and able to handle various tasks well. Often used for crafts, repairs, or detailed manual work.
彼女は手先が器用で、何でも作れる。
She is skilful with her hands and can make anything.
器用な人だから、すぐに覚えるよ。
He's a skilful person, so he'll pick it up quickly.
Literally 'good handling', this phrase emphasizes efficiency and skill in performing a task, often with a sense of neatness and speed. Commonly used for cooking, cleaning, or any procedural work.
彼の手際のいい仕事ぶりには感心する。
I'm impressed by his skilful way of working.
Describing a high level of skill achieved through long practice, often in traditional arts, sports, or professional fields.
Refers to proficiency gained through extensive experience. Often used as a noun (熟練した + Noun) to describe skilled workers, technicians, or performers.
熟練した職人がその壺を修復した。
A skilful artisan restored the pot.
Means skilful or proficient, often with a nuance of fluency or eloquence. Commonly used for language ability or performing arts. Can also mean 'in good health' in other contexts.
Literally 'good arm', this idiomatic phrase means having great skill or ability, especially in a profession or craft. It implies practical, hands-on expertise.
あの美容師は腕がいいと評判だ。
That hairdresser is reputed to be skilful.
Describing skill in social interactions, negotiations, or problem-solving, often with a nuance of shrewdness or diplomacy.
Means ingenious, clever, or artful. It often describes a skilful scheme, tactic, or manipulation, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation of cunning.
彼は巧妙な話術で相手を説得した。
He persuaded the other party with skilful rhetoric.
Describes someone who is tactful, considerate, and socially skilful, never missing a beat in social situations. It implies a polished, diplomatic manner.
Both mean 'skilful' or 'good at', but 上手 is more standard and polite, while うまい is casual and often used among friends. うまい can also mean 'delicious', so be careful with context. In formal writing or speech, stick to 上手 or more specific terms like 熟練.
While 上手な人 is grammatically correct, it can sound a bit unnatural. It's often better to use a specific noun like 熟練者 (expert) or describe the skill directly with 〜が上手.
彼は歌がうまい。
He is skilful at singing.
あのシェフは包丁さばきがうまい。
That chef is skilful with a knife.
The craftsman makes furniture with skilful technique.
彼は英語が達者だ。
He is skilful at English.
彼の如才ない対応のおかげで、会議はうまくいった。
Thanks to his skilful handling, the meeting went well.