How are “上手” (jōzu) and “得意” (tokui) different? How should I explain it?
“上手” (jōzu) and “得意” (tokui) sound similar, but there is a significant difference. If I ask, “Are ‘上手’ and ‘得意’ the same?” the answer is, “No, they are quite different.” Please explain the difference between “上手” and “得意” clearly.
In Japanese, there are two similar words, “上手” (jōzu) and “得意” (tokui), but they are used differently and have different nuances. Below, Eri from the JPLT Online Japanese Language School will explain the differences between these two words with concrete examples for beginners learning Japanese.
■ How to use “上手” (jōzu)
“上手” refers to a high level of skill or technique in a particular area. In other words, if something is described as “上手,” it means that the ability or skill to perform that task is highly evaluated.
Examples
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Good at drawing:
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Explanation: 彼は絵を描くのが上手です。[He is good at drawing.]
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Meaning: He has high drawing skills and can create beautiful drawings.
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Good at cooking:
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Explanation: 彼女は料理が上手です。 [She is good at cooking.]
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Meaning: She has high cooking skills and can make delicious dishes.
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Good at playing the piano:
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Explanation: 彼はピアノを弾くのが上手です。[He is good at playing the piano.]
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Meaning: He has high piano-playing skills and can perform wonderfully.
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■ How to use “得意” (tokui)
“得意” indicates having confidence in a particular field or activity and feeling superior to others. “得意” has a strong connotation of self-assessment.
Examples
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Good at math:
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Explanation: 彼は数学が得意です。[He is good at math.]
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Meaning: He has confidence in math, solving problems quickly and accurately.
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Good at singing:
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Explanation: 彼女は歌うのが得意です。[She is good at singing.]
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Meaning: She has confidence in her singing, enjoys singing in front of people, and sings well.
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Good at sports:
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Explanation: 彼はスポーツが得意です。[He is good at sports.]
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Meaning: He has confidence in sports in general, especially good at soccer.
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■ More detailed differentiation between “上手” (jōzu) and “得意” (tokui)
Technical evaluation vs. Self-evaluation
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“上手” is used to indicate that one’s skills or techniques are highly evaluated by others.
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“得意” is used when someone has confidence in a particular field.
Comparative Examples
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Regarding drawing:
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上手 (jōzu): 彼は絵を描くのが上手です。[He is good at drawing.]
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Meaning: His drawing is highly skilled from others’ perspectives.
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得意 (tokui): 彼は絵を描くのが得意です。[He is good at drawing.]
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Meaning: He has confidence in his drawing ability and enjoys drawing.
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Regarding cooking:
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上手 (jōzu): 彼女は料理が上手です。 [She is good at cooking.]
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Meaning: Her cooking is delicious from others’ perspectives.
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得意 (tokui): 彼女は料理が得意です。 [She is good at cooking.]
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Meaning: She has confidence in her cooking ability and enjoys cooking.
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■ Summary: How are “上手” and “得意” different?
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“上手” emphasizes technical evaluation from others, indicating high skill or technique.
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“得意” emphasizes self-evaluation, indicating confidence in a particular field.
Understanding these differences will help you use Japanese more naturally. JPLT Online Japanese Language School offers effective learning methods through individual and group lessons, supporting you to speak Japanese naturally through vocabulary improvement and practical conversation practice.
For more details, please visit the JPLT official website: [JPLT Japanese Language Training Online School by Dialogplus (jplt-dialogplus.com)]
