得意

• Reading: とくい
• Romaji: tokui
• Kanji breakdown: 得 (toku) — gain, obtain; 意 (i) — mind, intention
• Pronunciation: /to.kɯ.i/

Meaning

Good at; skilled in; proud; triumphant. Describes proficiency in something or a feeling of pride.

A na-adjective with two main senses: (1) being skilled or proficient — 料理が得意だ (good at cooking), and (2) feeling proud or triumphant — 得意な顔 (a proud/smug face). The opposite is 苦手 (nigate, poor at). Also used as a noun meaning 'forte' or 'specialty.' Very common in self-introductions and everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 私は数学が得意で英語は苦手だ。 I'm good at math but bad at English.
2. 彼は得意そうにテストの結果を見せた。 He showed off his test results with a proud look on his face.
3. 得意料理はカレーライスです。 My specialty dish is curry rice.

Usage Guide

Context: self-introduction, school, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 得 (toku, to gain/obtain) and 意 (i, mind/intention). Together, 'gained confidence' — having mastered something to the point of pride.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal