Meaning and Usage
"器用" (きよう) describes someone who is skillful or handy, especially with their hands or in practical tasks. It often implies dexterity and the ability to perform delicate or complicated work well.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used to compliment someone's manual skills, such as crafting, cooking, or fixing things. It can also describe mental agility in handling tasks smoothly.
Collocations and Patterns
- 器用に (きように): adverbial form meaning "skillfully" or "dexterously".
- 器用な人: a skillful person.
- 器用さ: the noun form meaning "skillfulness" or "dexterity".
Register and Nuance
"器用" is generally neutral and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. However, it often praises practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "器用" with "上手" (じょうず), which also means skillful. "器用" emphasizes manual dexterity or cleverness in handling tasks, while "上手" is broader and can apply to skills like sports or arts. Use "器用" when focusing on hand skills or practical cleverness.