巧妙

• Reading: こうみょう
• Romaji: koumyou
• Kanji breakdown: 巧 (kou) — skilful, clever; 妙 (myou) — wonderful, exquisite
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɯ.mjo.ɯ/

Meaning

Ingenious; skilful; clever; deft. Describes something done with remarkable skill or cunning.

A na-adjective describing actions, plans, or techniques that display exceptional cleverness or sophistication. Can be used positively (ingenious design, skilful technique) or with a nuance of cunning (巧妙な手口 — clever trick/scheme). Common in news, crime reporting, and technical descriptions. Collocates with 手口 (method/trick), 仕掛け (mechanism), and 戦略 (strategy).

Examples

1. 犯人は巧妙な手口で侵入した。 The culprit broke in using a clever method.
2. 巧妙に設計されたシステムに感心した。 I was impressed by the ingeniously designed system.
3. 彼女は巧妙な話術で相手を説得した。 She convinced the other party with clever rhetoric.

Usage Guide

Context: news, crime, technology, strategy

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 巧 (kou, skilful/clever) + 妙 (myou, wonderful/exquisite). The combination emphasises both technical skill and an element of impressive ingenuity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated