Meaning and Usage
"巧妙" (こうみょう) is a formal adjective used to describe something skillful, ingenious, or cleverly done. It often implies a high level of sophistication or cleverness in planning or execution.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "巧妙" used in contexts involving strategies, designs, or methods that are cleverly crafted to achieve a goal. It can be positive, praising someone's skill, or neutral when describing a technique.
Collocations and Patterns
- "巧妙な策略" (こうみょうなさくりゃく): ingenious strategy
- "巧妙に設計された" (こうみょうにせっけいされた): ingeniously designed
- "巧妙に話をそらす" (こうみょうにはなしをそらす): cleverly divert the conversation
These collocations highlight how "巧妙" is often paired with actions or objects that require skill and cleverness.
Register and Nuance
"巧妙" is typically used in written or formal spoken Japanese rather than casual conversation. It conveys admiration for skill or cleverness but can also imply cunning depending on context.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "巧妙" with simpler words for "skillful" like "上手" (じょうず). However, "巧妙" emphasizes cleverness and ingenuity rather than just proficiency. Use "巧妙" when you want to highlight clever planning or design.