eloquence; cleverness in speaking
Often used in the phrase 口八丁手八丁 (くちはっちょうてはっちょう), meaning someone who is both a smooth talker and skillful with their hands. The standalone 手八丁 emphasizes manual dexterity or cleverness in action, but is less common alone.
He is both eloquent and dexterous, handling any job with ease.
That salesman is clever in action, managing even difficult negotiations.
both eloquent and skilled; smooth-talking and dexterous
eloquent and skilled; good with both words and actions
The term 八丁 (はっちょう) originally referred to eight traditional Japanese tools or skills, implying versatility. 手八丁 literally means 'eight skills of the hand,' suggesting dexterity and cleverness in practical matters. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.