Translation guide
The English word "skilled" describes having the ability, knowledge, or experience to do something well. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives, verbs, and nouns that emphasize different aspects of skill, such as technical proficiency, talent, or expertise. The most common and versatile word is 上手 (じょうず), but other terms like うまい, 熟練した, and 巧みな are used depending on context and nuance.
彼は料理が上手です。
He is skilled at cooking.
Most common and polite way to say someone is skilled at something.
Describing someone as generally good at something, often in everyday conversation.
The most common and versatile word for 'skilled' or 'good at' something. It is polite and can be used in most situations. Often used in the pattern 〜が上手.
彼は料理が上手です。
He is skilled at cooking.
あなたは英語が上手ですね。
You are skilled at English, aren't you?
A more casual and often masculine way to say 'skilled' or 'good at'. It can also mean 'delicious' for food. Use with friends or in informal settings.
Means 'skilled' or 'strong point', often used to describe something one is good at or confident in. It can be used as a noun or na-adjective.
Emphasizing a high level of skill, often acquired through training or experience.
Describes someone who is skilled through long practice or experience; an expert. Often used in professional or technical contexts.
熟練した職人がその家具を作った。
A skilled craftsman made that furniture.
彼は熟練した外科医です。
He is a skilled surgeon.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'skilled' or 'good at one's craft', literally 'arm is good'. It implies practical ability and is often used for manual skills or professions.
あの大工は腕がいい。
That carpenter is skilled.
腕のいい美容師を探しています。
I'm looking for a skilled hairdresser.
Means skilled or proficient, often used for language ability or physical health. Can sound slightly old-fashioned.
Focusing on manual dexterity, cleverness, or finesse in performing a task.
Describes skillful and clever execution, often with a nuance of artistry or cunning. Used for techniques, speech, or craftsmanship.
彼は巧みな話術で聴衆を魅了した。
He captivated the audience with his skilled speech.
巧みな手つきで絵を描く。
She paints with skilled hand movements.
Means dexterous, handy, or skilled with one's hands. Also used for being good at handling multiple tasks. Can be used as a na-adjective.
Means skilled and efficient in handling tasks, often with a sense of neatness and speed. Used for work performance.
彼の仕事は手際がいい。
His work is skilled and efficient.
Indicating innate ability or natural talent rather than learned skill.
Literally 'has talent', this phrase is used to describe someone who is naturally skilled or gifted in a particular area.
彼女は音楽の才能がある。
She is skilled in music (has musical talent).
才能のある若者を支援する。
Support skilled young people (those with talent).
Means capable, competent, or skilled, often used in professional contexts to describe a person's overall ability.
彼は有能な弁護士だ。
He is a skilled lawyer.
上手 (じょうず) is the standard, polite way to say someone is skilled. うまい is casual and often used by men; it can also mean 'delicious'. 得意 (とくい) implies that the person is confident in their skill and considers it a strong point. Use 上手 for compliments, うまい with friends, and 得意 when talking about your own skills or asking about someone's strong points.
日本語が上手ですね。
Your Japanese is skilled (compliment).
彼はゲームがうまい。
He is skilled at games (casual).
私の得意科目は数学です。
My skilled subject (strong point) is math.
While 上手な人 (じょうずなひと) is grammatically correct, it can sound a bit direct. Often, it's more natural to use a noun like 熟練者 (じゅくれんしゃ) for 'skilled person' in professional contexts, or simply describe the skill with 〜が上手.
彼は熟練者だ。
He is a skilled person (expert).
彼女はピアノが上手です。
She is skilled at playing the piano.
熟練した交渉者が必要だ。
We need a skilled negotiator.
彼は手先が器用だ。
He is skilled with his hands.
彼はサッカーがうまい。
He is skilled at soccer.
君は本当に歌がうまいね。
You are really skilled at singing.
Are you skilled at math?
彼女は得意な分野で活躍している。
She is active in her skilled field.
彼は日本語が達者だ。
He is skilled at Japanese.
She is skilled with her hands.
器用な人なので、何でも作れる。
Since he is a skilled person, he can make anything.