Translation guide
The English word 'competent' describes having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various words and phrases that emphasize different aspects of competence, such as skill level, reliability, or qualification.
Describing someone who is capable and can perform a task well enough, often in a work or general context.
A common adjective meaning 'able' or 'capable', often used for people who perform their duties well. It implies a general competence and reliability.
彼は有能な社員です。
He is a competent employee.
A versatile verb meaning 'can do' or 'is able'. When used to describe a person, it means they are competent or capable. Often used in casual and business contexts.
彼女は本当にできる人だ。
She is a truly competent person.
The attributive form of 有能, used directly before nouns. It is slightly more formal than できる.
有能なリーダーが必要だ。
We need a competent leader.
Literally 'has ability/skill', this phrase emphasizes practical competence and skill in handling tasks, often in professional settings.
彼は経営の手腕がある。
He is competent in management.
Means 'proficient' or 'skilled', often used for language ability or specific skills. It implies a high level of competence.
彼は英語に堪能だ。
He is competent in English.
Describing something that is good enough, satisfactory, or acceptable, often in terms of quality or performance.
Means 'sufficient' or 'enough'. It can be used to describe a competent level of performance or quality that meets requirements.
彼の仕事は十分に満足できるものだった。
His work was competent enough to be satisfactory.
An adverb meaning 'passable' or 'so-so'. It conveys a sense of being competent but not outstanding.
Literally 'passing mark', used to describe something that meets the minimum standard of competence.
Describing someone who has the authority, certification, or legal capacity to perform a specific role.
Means 'to be qualified' or 'to have the credentials'. It is the most direct way to express legal or official competence.
彼はこの仕事をする資格がある。
He is competent to do this job.
Means 'to have authority' or 'jurisdiction'. It emphasizes the legal power or right to act.
その決定を下す権限があるのは彼だけだ。
Only he is competent to make that decision.
有能 is a more formal, written term that directly translates to 'competent' or 'able'. できる is a colloquial, versatile word that can mean 'competent' when describing a person, but it also means 'can do' in general. In business settings, できる人 is a common phrase for a competent person, while 有能な人 is slightly more formal.
The English word 'competent' does not have a single perfect equivalent in Japanese. Using コンピテント (kompitento) is not natural. Instead, choose a word based on the specific nuance: ability (有能), sufficiency (十分), or qualification (資格がある).
彼女は有能な医者です。
She is a competent doctor.
彼の演技はまずまずだった。
He gave a competent performance.
この事件を扱う資格がありますか？
Are you competent to handle this case?
彼のプレゼンはまずまずだった。
His presentation was competent.
彼の演技は及第点だ。
His performance is competent (passable).