不器用
Meanings
1
Describes physical clumsiness or lack of manual dexterity; also used for general lack of skill in tasks.
He is clumsy and often drops things.
He is using the kitchen knife with clumsy hands.
2
incompetent; inept; socially awkward
Extends clumsiness to social situations or general ineptitude; can describe a person who is tactless, bungling, or lacks social grace.
He is socially awkward and not good at dealing with people.
He made a clumsy excuse and ended up making her angrier.
Usage patterns
- 不器用な手つきclumsy hand movements
He held the knife with clumsy hands.
- 〈人〉は不器用な性格だsomeone has a socially awkward personality
He has an awkward personality and isn't good with people.
- 不器用なりに〈動詞〉to do something in one's own clumsy way
He tried to encourage her in his own clumsy way.
- 〈動詞〉のが不器用だto be bad at doing something
He's bad at expressing his own feelings.
Expressions
- 手先が不器用clumsy with one's hands; all thumbs