拙い
つ
た
な
い
拙い · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 拙い | 拙くない |
| Polite | 拙いです | 拙くないですalso 拙くありません |
| Past polite | 拙かったです | 拙くなかったですalso 拙くありませんでした |
| Past | 拙かった | 拙くなかった |
| Te-form | 拙くて | 拙くなくて |
| Adverbial | 拙く | |
| Conditional | 拙ければ | 拙くなければ |
| Tara conditional | 拙かったら | 拙くなかったら |
Meanings
1
usually written using kana alone
Describes something of low quality, poorly made, or crude in execution. Often used for objects, work, or results.
The furniture he made was of poor quality.
2
usually written using kana alone
Refers to a lack of skill or ability in doing something. Can describe a person's performance, speech, or actions. Related to 不味い (sense 2).
See also: まずい
I asked for directions in clumsy English.
His driving is still unskillful.
3
Rare, archaic sense meaning unfortunate or unlucky. Not used in modern Japanese; encountered only in classical texts.
In classical Japanese, つたない can mean unlucky.
Usage patterns
- 拙い〈物〉clumsy/poor (writing, speech, skill, etc.)
I apologize for my clumsy writing, but I hope this is acceptable.
- 拙いながらthough (my skill/work) is poor, still ...
Though my skills are lacking, I'll do my very best.