Kanji 八 eight, eight radical (no. 12) 挺 bravely volunteer, counter for guns, inksticks, palanquins, rickshaws Related words 上手 is the common, general word for being skilled at something, while 八丁 is a much more limited, idiomatic term seen mainly in set phrases like 口八丁手八丁 .
器用 usually describes being dexterous or handy, while 八丁 specifically points to verbal or practical skillfulness within fixed expressions.
Word family smooth talker; glib; eloquent
eloquence; cleverness in speaking
hatcho miso; dark miso from Aichi
the hardest part; the most trying stage
Written forms 八はっ 丁ちょう Usage 100%
High-priority spelling for this word; often encountered inside idiomatic expressions such as 口八丁手八丁 .
八はっ 挺ちょう
Attested alternate spelling, but much less practical for learners; in other contexts it may be read literally as a count of eight long objects or tools.
Etymology The written form combines 八 , 'eight,' with 丁 or the variant 挺 , but the exact historical development of the meaning 'skillfulness' is uncertain. The spelling is conventionally associated with idiomatic uses such as 口八丁手八丁 .
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.