上達する
jōtatsu suru
To get good in Japanese is to say 上達する (jōtatsu suru).
上達する is used specifically when someone is improving their skill or proficiency in an activity, such as a language, a sport or a musical instrument. It is not used for general improvements in quality or health.
What does it mean word for word?
The noun component 上達 (jōtatsu) literally means 'improvement' or 'progress' in skill.
How do you pronounce it?
jōtatsu suru
Did you know?
- While 上達する describes your own progress, if you want to praise a professional, you might use 腕が上がる (ude ga agaru), which literally means 'one's arm has risen'.
- In Japanese martial arts and tea ceremonies, the path to 上達する is often described as 道 (dō), which means 'way' or 'path'. This frames getting good not as a destination, but as a lifelong spiritual journey.
- In Japanese gaming culture, the English slang 'get good' is often translated as 'もっと上手くなれ' (motto umaku nare), but using 上達する in a competitive chat would sound much too polite and formal.
Examples in context
- 彼はゲームの腕前が上達している。He is getting good at playing games.
- 最初は下手でしたが、だんだん上手になりました。I was bad at first, but gradually got better.
- ゲームで上手くなりたいんだけど、どうすればいい？I want to get better at games, but what should I do?
- 時間をかけて腕を磨いたら、上手くなるよ。If you invest time polishing your skills, you will get better.
- 毎日練習すれば、必ず上達するよ。mainichi renshuu sureba, kanarazu joutatsu suru yo.If you practice every day, you will definitely get good.
