also: こきよう
na-adjective
Describes someone who is good with their hands, resourceful, or able to handle various small tasks well. Often used for practical, manual dexterity or everyday cleverness.
彼は小器用で、何でも自分で直してしまう。
He is handy and fixes everything himself.
小器用な人ほど、細かい作業が得
The more dexterous a person is, the better they are at detailed work.
器用 is the more common word for 'skillful' or 'dexterous'. 小器用 adds a nuance of being good at small, practical tasks, sometimes with a hint of 'jack-of-all-trades'.
Compound of 小 (small) and 器用 (skillful, dexterous). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely emphasizes skill in minor or varied tasks.