How to say "handy" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 便利べんりna-adjectiveCovers 'handy' in the everyday sense of convenient and useful — the all-purpose word for anything that makes life easier, such as a tool, shop, or service you are glad to have.
- 手ごろてごろna-adjective, nounHandy in the sense of being just the right size or price — suitable and reasonable rather than generally useful. Fits a reasonably priced item or a size that suits one's needs.
- 重宝ちょうほうna-adjective, nounHandy in the sense of useful to have around: something that proves helpful in various situations. Carries a nuance of valuing an item for the convenience it provides.
- 器用きようna-adjective, nounCovers 'handy' only in the sense of being good with one's hands: it describes a person as skillful, adroit, or dexterous, not a thing as convenient.
- 簡便かんべんna-adjective, nounHandy in the sense of simple and easy: it stresses that a method or procedure is uncomplicated and convenient, rather than that an object is useful.
Use 便利 for convenient, useful things, 「手ごろ」 for what is just the right size or price, 重宝 for items that prove handy in various situations, 器用 for being good with one's hands, and 簡便 for simple, easy methods.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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