noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective
highly skilled; very capable; competent
Describes a person who is exceptionally good at their job or craft. Often used attributively (腕利きの職人, 腕利きの医者).
He is a highly skilled programmer.
The dishes prepared by a master chef are exceptional.
expert; master-hand; person of ability
Refers to a person who is highly skilled, often in a specific trade or profession. Can be used as a noun on its own (あの人は腕利きだ).
That carpenter is a real master-hand.
This shop is staffed with experts.
Standard kanji spelling.
Alternate spelling using kana for 利き; less common but still encountered.
Compound of 腕 (ude, 'arm; skill') and 利き (kiki, 'effective; able'), from the verb 利く (kiku, 'to be effective'). Literally 'skill-effective', referring to someone whose abilities are sharp.