Translation guide
The English word 'handy' has several distinct meanings: convenient/useful, skillful with hands, and nearby/accessible. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each.
Describing something that is easy to use, practical, or makes tasks easier.
The most common and general word for 'convenient' or 'useful'. Used for tools, services, locations, etc.
このアプリはとても便利です。
This app is really handy.
駅の近くに住んでいて便利だ。
It's handy living near the station.
Emphasizes that something is highly valued for its usefulness, often for a specific purpose. Slightly more subjective than 便利.
この小さなナイフはキャンプで重宝する。
This little knife is handy when camping.
Literally 'to be of use'. Used when something proves helpful in a situation. More about practical help than inherent convenience.
この情報が役に立つといいのですが。
I hope this information is handy.
Focuses on ease of use and good usability, often for tools or interfaces.
このキッチンツールは使い勝手がいい。
This kitchen tool is handy.
Describing a person who is good at making or fixing things with their hands.
The standard way to say someone is dexterous or good with their hands.
彼は手先が器用で、何でも直せる。
He's handy and can fix anything.
Means dexterous, skillful, or clever with hands. Can be used alone but often paired with 手先.
彼女はとても器用だ。
She's very handy.
Specifically refers to being good at DIY/home improvement, which is a common nuance of 'handy'.
父は日曜大工が得意で、家の修理は全部自分でやる。
My dad is handy and does all the home repairs himself.
Describing something that is close at hand or within easy reach.
Literally 'to be near at hand'. Used for objects that are conveniently close.
ハサミが手近にあれば便利だ。
It's handy to have scissors nearby.
Means 'very close by', often for locations.
コンビニがすぐ近くにあって便利だ。
It's handy having a convenience store right nearby.
Refers to something familiar and close to one's daily life, not just physical proximity.
The loanword ハンディ (handi) is not used for 'handy' in the sense of convenient or skillful. It mainly appears in compounds like ハンディキャップ (handicap) or ハンディカム (Handycam). Avoid using it to mean 'handy'.
便利 is objective convenience (e.g., a location is convenient). 重宝 implies personal appreciation and frequent use (e.g., a gadget you find indispensable). 重宝する is a verb meaning 'to find something handy and use it often'.
懐中電灯を手近に置いておいてください。
Keep a flashlight handy.
この機能は役に立ちます。
This feature comes in handy.
Smartphones are a handy tool for modern people.