Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Words Kanji Guides About

腕のいい (うでのいい) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

腕うでのいい

also: うでのよい

Meanings

1

expression, i-adjective (yoi/ii class)

skilled; competent; good at one's work

Describes a person who is highly capable in a practical skill, craft, or profession. Often used attributively (腕のいい職人, 腕のいい医者).

彼かれは腕うでのいい料りょう理り人にんだ。
He is a skilled chef.
腕うでのいい大だい工くを探さがしている。
I'm looking for a competent carpenter.

Written forms

腕うでのいい
Standard kanji-kana spelling; いい is the modern colloquial form.
腕の良い
- うでのよい
  More formal or written variant using 良い; can also be read うでのいい.
- うでのいい
腕うでのよい
Kana-mixed spelling with よい; slightly more formal than いい.
うでのよい

Kanji

腕

arm, ability, talent

良good, pleasing, skilled

Similar words

上手じょうず
上手 is a general adjective for being good at something, while 腕のいい specifically emphasizes practical skill and competence, often in a trade or profession.
有ゆう能のう
有能 means 'able' or 'capable' in a broader sense, including intellectual or managerial ability, whereas 腕のいい focuses on hands-on skill.

Etymology

Phrase composed of 腕 (arm, skill) + の (possessive particle) + いい/よい (good). Literally 'good of arm', metaphorically extending to manual dexterity and professional competence.