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.
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.
Indicating innate ability or natural talent rather than learned skill.
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).
She is skilled at playing the piano.
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.
数学は得意ですか？
Are you skilled at math?
She is active in her skilled field.
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.
I'm looking for a skilled hairdresser.
Means skilled or proficient, often used for language ability or physical health. Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
He is skilled at Japanese.
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.
She is skilled with her hands.
Since he is a skilled person, he can make anything.
Means skilled and efficient in handling tasks, often with a sense of neatness and speed. Used for work performance.
His work is skilled and efficient.
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.
彼はゲームがうまい。
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).
We need a skilled negotiator.
He is skilled with his hands.