不器用な
bukiyō na
The English word 'clumsy' can be translated into Japanese as 不器用な (bukiyō na). If unsure, use 不器用な. Wiktionary also lists ぶきっちょ (bukitcho).
Meaning: awkward, lacking coordination, not graceful, not dextrous (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 不器用な | bukiyō na |
| ぶきっちょ | bukitcho |
The term 不器用 (bukiyō) is used to describe someone who lacks coordination, is not graceful or lacks dexterity. This can refer to physical clumsiness, such as being bad with one's hands or a lack of social dexterity when handling interpersonal relationships.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 不器用 (bukiyō) is composed of 不 (not), 器 (tool/vessel) and 用 (use), which literally means 'not useful with tools'.
How does it change in a sentence?
不器用な (bukiyō na) is a na-adjective, meaning it requires the particle な when it directly precedes a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
bukiyō na
Did you know?
- While 不器用 refers to a general trait, Japanese has a specific term おっちょこちょい (occhokochoi) for someone who is clumsy specifically because they are hasty.
- Using 不器用 to describe oneself in a formal setting is a common way to practice 'modesty' (kenjō), downplaying one's own abilities to show respect to others.
- In romantic narratives, the 不器用 protagonist is a common trope describing a character who loves someone deeply but lacks the social skill to show it.
Examples in context
- なんでそんなに不器用なの？Why are you so clumsy?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is being clumsy using 不器用な.Tatoeba #2955225 by tommy_san, translation #2955192 by CK
- 彼女は不器用なので、スポーツが苦手です。She is clumsy, so she's not good at sports.
- 初めての仕事で不手際を起こしてしまいました。I made a clumsy mistake during my first job.
- 友達はへたっぴで、よく物を落とします。My friend is clumsy and often drops things.
- 彼は少し不器用なところがある。Kare wa sukoshi bukiyouna tokoro ga aru.He is a little clumsy in some ways.
- 不器用な手つきでプレゼントを包む。Bukiyouna tetsuki de purezento o tsutsumu.To wrap a gift with clumsy hands.
Example conversation
At a cafe, Kenta is struggling to use a small spoon.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、大丈夫？Kenta-kun, daijoubu?Kenta, are you okay?
- 健太 Kentaこのスプーン、使いにくくて。Kono supuun, tsukainikukute.This spoon is hard to use.
- 陽葵 Himari不器用なところも、健太くんらしいね。Bukiyouna tokoro mo, Kenta-kun rashii ne.Being clumsy is also very much like you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaもう、笑わないでよ。Mou, warawanaide yo.Hey, don't laugh at me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clumsy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
