How to say "proficient" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 上手じょうずna-adjective, nounThe everyday word for being good or skilled at something, from sports and cooking to languages. It is the natural choice for praising someone's proficiency in ordinary conversation.
- 堪能たんのうna-adjective, nounCovers solid, well-rounded proficiency, often in a practical domain such as language ability. It has a polished, accomplished feel, fitting genuine competence rather than light, casual praise.
- 達者たっしゃna-adjectiveConveys adeptness — practiced, thorough command of a skill rather than plain competence. The word is also used of being fit and healthy, so make sure the context is clearly about skill.
Use 上手 for everyday 'good at' praise, 堪能 for solid, polished competence such as language mastery, and 達者 for adept, practiced skill rather than plain competence.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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