Usage patterns 〈 人ひと 〉 が 手しゅ 腕わん を 発はっ 揮き する for someone to display their skill/ability
He demonstrated his skill on the new project.
〈 人ひと 〉 が 手しゅ 腕わん を 振ふ るう for someone to exercise/wield their ability
The president wielded his ability in running the company.
〈 人ひと 〉 の 手しゅ 腕わん が 問と われる for someone's competence to be put to the test
Her competence will be tested in these negotiations.
〈 人ひと 〉 の 手しゅ 腕わん を 買か う to value someone for their ability
The company valued his ability and promoted him to manager.
Related words· 6 能力 is the general, neutral word for ability or capacity, while 手腕 specifically praises practical skill in managing tasks or situations.
技量 highlights technical proficiency, often in a craft or specialized skill, whereas 手腕 is broader and typically used for managerial or interpersonal competence.
腕前 is a more casual word for skill, often used for hobbies, cooking, or sports, while 手腕 carries a more formal, professional connotation.
手腕 refers to personal skill or competence in handling affairs, while 政治力 specifically denotes political influence or power.
Show 2 more Show fewer 手腕 highlights skillful handling of tasks or affairs (often in business), while 力量 is a broader term for overall competence.
手腕 emphasizes competence or ability in managing affairs (often business or politics), while 手際 emphasizes the visible smoothness of handling a concrete task.
Word family able individual; man of ability
diplomatic finesse; diplomatic skill
management capability; administrative skill
administrative skill; skill at administration
Etymology Compound of 手 (hand) and 腕 (arm), metaphorically extending to practical skill and ability. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination conventionally represents manual dexterity and competence.
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