Japanese word

器用

Pronunciation

Romajikiyō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveskillful

Example

彼女は器用に折り紙を折ります。kano jo wa ki yō ni o ri gami o o ri ma su

She skillfully folds origami.

Illustration for 器用 (skillful)

More examples

姉は小さな部品を器用に組み立てました。ane wa chii sa na bu hin o ki yō ni ku mi ta te ma shi ta

My sister skillfully assembled the small parts.

Core concept

Expresses the idea of having flexible ability that can be put to effective use in many practical situations.

Common phrases

  • 器用に使うki yō ni tsuka u

    use skillfully

  • 器用な手つきki yō na te tsu ki

    skillful movements

Similar words

上手jōzu: Describes someone who performs a skill or activity well.
巧みtakumi: Describes skillful and effective control of a technique or action.
得意tokui: Describes someone who is especially good at a particular activity or subject.

Definition in Japanese

技術や能力を自在に働かせ、さまざまなことを巧みに行うさま。gi jutsu ya nō ryoku o ji zai ni hatara ka se sa ma za ma na ko to o taku mi ni okona u sa ma

Word origin

器用 (kiyō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 器 (ki, "vessel; capacity") and 用 (yō, "use"), suggesting ability that is put to work with skill.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 器用 (kiyō) often describes practical skill, such as making things neatly by hand or handling tasks with ease.

Opposites

  • 不器用fukiyōclumsyna-adjective

Related words

  • 器用さkiyōsaskillfulnessnoun

Word lists with this word