Translation guide
The English word 'efficient' describes achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 効率的 (こうりつてき), but other expressions like 効率がいい, 能率的, or 手際がいい are used depending on whether you're talking about systems, time use, or personal skill. This guide breaks down the main ways to express 'efficient' naturally in Japanese.
Describing something as efficient in terms of resource use, productivity, or lack of waste.
The most direct and common translation for 'efficient'. Used for methods, systems, machines, etc. It's a na-adjective.
この方法はとても効率的だ。
This method is very efficient.
効率的なシステムを導入した。
We introduced an efficient system.
Literally 'efficiency is good'. A more colloquial way to say something is efficient. Often used in spoken Japanese.
この機械は効率がいいね。
This machine is efficient, isn't it?
Similar to 効率的 but emphasizes productivity and output per unit of input. Slightly more formal or technical.
能率的な作業手順を考えましょう。
Let's think of an efficient work procedure.
Adverbial form meaning 'efficiently'. Used to describe how an action is performed.
効率よく仕事を進めてください。
Please proceed with the work efficiently.
Focusing on using time well, without unnecessary delays or wasted moments.
Literally 'use time effectively'. A natural way to express being efficient with time.
時間を有効に使うことが大切です。
It's important to use time efficiently.
Describes someone who works quickly and skillfully without wasted motion. Often used for manual tasks or handling things smoothly.
彼女は手際がいいから、すぐ終わるよ。
She's efficient, so it'll be done quickly.
Refers to being well-organized and efficient in planning or preparation. Often used in business or event settings.
段取りがいい人は仕事が早い。
People who are efficient in planning work fast.
Describing machines, appliances, or processes that use minimal energy or resources.
Short for 省エネルギー (energy saving). Commonly used for energy-efficient appliances or practices.
このエアコンは省エネだ。
This air conditioner is energy-efficient.
Specifically for fuel efficiency of vehicles. Literally 'fuel consumption is good'.
この車は燃費がいい。
This car is fuel-efficient.
Describing a person who works effectively without waste.
A common way to say someone is competent and efficient at their job. Implies capability and effectiveness.
彼は本当に仕事ができる人だ。
He's a really efficient worker.
Means someone is good at handling things efficiently, often with a nuance of being clever or knowing the tricks. Can sometimes imply cutting corners.
Can have a slightly negative nuance of 'taking shortcuts' depending on context.
要領がいいから、残業せずに帰れる。
Because he's efficient, he can go home without overtime.
効率的 (こうりつてき) is the general term for 'efficient' and is widely used. 能率的 (のうりつてき) is more about productivity and output rate, and is less common in everyday speech. For most situations, 効率的 is the safer choice.
While you can say 効率的な人, it sounds a bit stiff. To describe a person who works efficiently, it's more natural to use phrases like 仕事ができる, 手際がいい, or 要領がいい.
もっと効率的なプロセスが必要だ。
We need a more efficient process.
彼女は仕事がとても早くて正確だ。
She is very efficient at her job.
Natural paraphrase rather than literal translation.