Meaning and Usage
"手際" (てぎわ) refers to the skill, efficiency, or tact with which someone performs a task, especially in practical or hands-on situations like cooking, work, or handling problems. It often implies smooth, quick, and competent handling.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear "手際" used when praising someone's ability to manage tasks efficiently, such as cooking meals, organizing events, or completing work assignments. It can be positive (good skill) or negative (poor skill).
Collocations and Patterns
- 手際がいい: good skill or efficiency
- 手際が悪い: poor skill or inefficiency
- 手際よく + verb: doing something skillfully and efficiently
Register and Nuance
"手際" is a neutral to slightly formal noun, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It is often used in everyday conversation when commenting on someone's practical skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "手際" with general "技術" (ぎじゅつ, technique/technology) or "技能" (ぎのう, skill), but "手際" specifically emphasizes the smoothness and efficiency of handling tasks rather than technical knowledge alone.