Translation guide
The ability to use your hands skillfully and easily. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words for manual skill, nimbleness, and adroitness, often with nuances of speed, precision, or cleverness.
The physical ability to perform tasks with your hands quickly and precisely.
The most common and general term for manual dexterity or being good with one's hands. Can also imply cleverness in handling things.
彼は手先の器用さには自信がある。
He is confident in his manual dexterity.
器用さを活かして細かい作業をする。
She uses her dexterity to do detailed work.
The ability to think quickly and cleverly, especially in social or tricky situations.
Quick-wittedness, resourcefulness. Often used in phrases like 機転が利く (to be quick-witted).
器用 (kiyou) specifically means dexterous or good with one's hands, while 上手 (jouzu) means skilled or good at something in general. You can be 上手 at sports but not necessarily 器用 with your hands.
The English word 'dexterity' covers both physical and mental skill, but Japanese often uses separate words. Avoid directly translating 'dexterity' as a single noun in all contexts; instead, describe the specific ability.
Literally 'dexterity of the fingertips', emphasizing manual skill. Often used when talking about crafts, surgery, or playing instruments.
手先の器用さが求められる仕事です。
It's a job that requires manual dexterity.
Skillfulness or adroitness, often implying a high level of craftsmanship or artistry. More formal/literary than 器用さ.
職人の巧みさに感心した。
I was impressed by the craftsman's dexterity.
Efficiency and skill in handling tasks, often with a sense of neatness and speed. Focuses on the way something is done.
彼の手際の良さには驚かされる。
I'm amazed at his dexterity (in handling things).
Specifically fingertip dexterity, used for very fine motor skills like sewing or playing piano.
ピアニストは指先の器用さが重要だ。
Fingertip dexterity is important for a pianist.
彼は機転が利くので、どんな状況でもうまく対応できる。
He has mental dexterity, so he can handle any situation well.
Literally 'speed of mental rotation', meaning quick thinking or mental agility.
彼女の頭の回転の速さにはいつも驚かされる。
I'm always amazed at her mental dexterity.
Ingenuity or cleverness, often with a nuance of cunning or craftiness. Can be used for schemes or clever solutions.
彼の巧妙さには敵わない。
I can't match his dexterity (in scheming).