na-adjective, noun
experienced; seasoned; veteran
Describes someone who has become highly skilled or knowledgeable through long experience, often with a nuance of craftiness or shrewdness. Used as both a noun and a na-adjective.
彼は老巧な職人で、どんな難しい注文にも応えられる。
He is a seasoned craftsman who can handle any difficult order.
老巧の政治家は、巧みな話術で聴衆を引きつけた。
The veteran politician captivated the audience with his skillful rhetoric.
ベテラン is a common loanword for 'veteran' or 'experienced person', used in everyday speech. 老巧 is more literary and emphasizes skill gained through age and experience, often with a nuance of shrewdness.
熟練 means 'proficiency' or 'skill' acquired through practice, focusing on technical mastery. 老巧 adds the dimension of age and seasoned wisdom.
Compound of 老 (old, aged) and 巧 (skill, cleverness). The variant 老功 uses 功 (achievement, merit) instead, emphasizing accomplishment through long experience.