How to say "competent" in Japanese

• 強いつよいJLPT N5approx.Common
  i-adjectiveCovers 'competent' as in being strong or capable in a particular area, such as a person strong at negotiations; beyond this it simply means 'strong' or, of a person, 'domineering'.
• 有能ゆうのうJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounThe word to reach for when 'competent' means capable and effective: it describes a person with real ability, as in praising a competent employee or colleague.
• 適任てきにんCommon
  na-adjective, no-adjectiveCovers 'competent' as in the right person for a particular job or post, emphasizing suitability for that role; typical when discussing who should fill a position or take on a task.
  大統領だいとうりょうには彼かれが適任てきにんだ。↗

  He's eligible for the presidency.
• 適格てきかくCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'competent' in the sense of formally qualified or eligible, meeting the required criteria; typical in contexts like whether a candidate or organization qualifies under set requirements.
• 当該とうがいCommon
  no-adjectiveNot a word for a capable person: it means 'concerned' or 'the ... in question', matching 'competent' chiefly in phrases like 'the competent authorities'. Seldom the word you want for ability.

Use 有能 for a capable person, 「強い」 for being strong at something, 適任 for the right person for a job, 適格 for formally qualified or eligible, and 当該 only in 'competent authorities', meaning the authorities concerned.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 強いつよいstrong
• 有能ゆうのうable
• 適任てきにんcompetent
• 適格てきかくeligible
• 当該とうがいappropriate (e.g. authorities)
• 腕こきうでこきable
• 腕っこきうでっこきable
• いっぱしfully fledged
• 腕利きうでききhighly skilled
• 腕がいいうでがいいskilled
• 腕のいいうでのいいskilled
• 主務しゅむcompetent (authority, minister, etc.)