Translation guide
The English word "skilled" describes having the ability, knowledge, or experience to do something well. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and nouns that emphasize different aspects of skill, such as technical proficiency, talent, or expertise. The most common and versatile word is 上手 (じょうず), but other terms like うまい, 熟練した, and 巧みな are used depending on context and nuance.
He is skilled at cooking.
Most common and polite way to say someone is skilled at something.
Describing someone as generally good at something, often in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word for 'skilled' or 'good at' something. It is polite and can be used in most situations. Often used in the pattern 〜が上手.
He is skilled at cooking.
A more casual and often masculine way to say 'skilled' or 'good at'. It can also mean 'delicious' for food. Use with friends or in informal settings.
Means 'skilled' or 'strong point', often used to describe something one is good at or confident in. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Emphasizing a high level of skill, often acquired through training or experience.
Describes someone who is skilled through long practice or experience; an expert. Often used in professional or technical contexts.
A skilled craftsman made that furniture.
He is a skilled surgeon.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'skilled' or 'good at one's craft', literally 'arm is good'. It implies practical ability and is often used for manual skills or professions.
That carpenter is skilled.
Means skilled or proficient, often used for language ability or physical health. Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
Focusing on manual dexterity, cleverness, or finesse in performing a task.
Describes skillful and clever execution, often with a nuance of artistry or cunning. Used for techniques, speech, or craftsmanship.
He captivated the audience with his skilled speech.
She paints with skilled hand movements.
Means dexterous, handy, or skilled with one's hands. Also used for being good at handling multiple tasks. Can be used as a na-adjective.
Means skilled and efficient in handling tasks, often with a sense of neatness and speed. Used for work performance.
Indicating innate ability or natural talent rather than learned skill.
Literally 'has talent', this phrase is used to describe someone who is naturally skilled or gifted in a particular area.
She is skilled in music (has musical talent).
Support skilled young people (those with talent).
Means capable, competent, or skilled, often used in professional contexts to describe a person's overall ability.
He is a skilled lawyer.
上手 (じょうず) is the standard, polite way to say someone is skilled. うまい is casual and often used by men; it can also mean 'delicious'. 得意 (とくい) implies that the person is confident in their skill and considers it a strong point. Use 上手 for compliments, うまい with friends, and 得意 when talking about your own skills or asking about someone's strong points.
Your Japanese is skilled (compliment).
He is skilled at games (casual).
My skilled subject (strong point) is math.
While 上手な人 (じょうずなひと) is grammatically correct, it can sound a bit direct. Often, it's more natural to use a noun like 熟練者 (じゅくれんしゃ) for 'skilled person' in professional contexts, or simply describe the skill with 〜が上手.
He is a skilled person (expert).
She is skilled at playing the piano.
We need a skilled negotiator.
He is skilled with his hands.
You are skilled at English, aren't you?
彼はサッカーがうまい。
He is skilled at soccer.
You are really skilled at singing.
Are you skilled at math?
She is active in her skilled field.
I'm looking for a skilled hairdresser.
彼は日本語が達者だ。
He is skilled at Japanese.
She is skilled with her hands.
Since he is a skilled person, he can make anything.
His work is skilled and efficient.