上達

• Reading: じょうたつ
• Romaji: joutatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 上 (jou) — up, above; 達 (tatsu) — to reach, achieve
• Pronunciation: /dʑoː.ta.tsɯ/

Meaning

Improvement; progress; advancement in skill.

A する verb (上達する — to improve/get better at). Specifically used for improving skills through practice: languages, sports, music, cooking, and similar. Often paired with が (日本語が上達した — my Japanese improved). Very positive and encouraging in tone. Common in learning and self-improvement contexts.

Examples

1. 毎日練習したおかげでピアノが上達した。 Thanks to practicing every day, my piano playing improved.
2. 日本語の上達には会話の練習が大切だ。 Conversation practice is important for improving your Japanese.
3. 料理の腕が上達して、友達に褒められた。 My cooking skills got better, and my friends complimented me.

Usage Guide

Context: learning, skills, self-improvement

Tone: encouraging

Origin & History

Compound of 上 (jou, up/above) and 達 (tatsu, to reach/achieve). Literally 'reaching upward' — progressing to a higher level of skill or ability.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal