器用

• Reading: きよう
• Romaji: kiyou
• Kanji breakdown: 器 (ki) — vessel, tool, capacity; 用 (you) — use, business
• Pronunciation: /ki.joː/

Meaning

Skillful; dexterous; handy. Describes someone who is good with their hands or adept at various tasks.

A na-adjective that takes な before nouns (器用な人, a skillful person). Often used to describe manual dexterity, craft skills, or general adaptability. The opposite is 不器用 (bukiyou, clumsy). Can also describe social adeptness: 器用に生きる means to live cleverly, navigating situations smoothly.

Examples

1. 彼女は手先が器用で何でも作れる。 She's so good with her hands that she can make anything.
2. 器用な人がうらやましい。 I envy people who are handy like that.
3. 彼は器用にナイフで木を削った。 He skillfully carved the wood with a knife.

Usage Guide

Context: crafts, compliments, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 器 (ki, vessel/tool) and 用 (you, use). Literally 'skilled use of tools,' expanding to mean general dexterity and adaptability.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal