得意
tokui[to̞kɯ̟i]
In Japanese, the phrase "i am good at something" is expressed using 得意 (tokui).
The term 得意 is used to express that a person has a particular skill or is proficient at a specific activity. It focuses on a personal strength or an area where the speaker feels confident.
Which one should you use?
While both 得意 and 上手 can mean "good at," they carry different nuances. 得意 implies a personal strength or something you are confident in. In contrast, 上手 is used for a more objective assessment of skill and is the standard way to praise someone else's ability.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the activity you are good at, use the particle が (ga) before the word, as in 〜が得意です. If you are using the word to modify a noun directly, you must use the adjectival form 得意な.
How do you pronounce it?
tokui
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 得意 to describe the skills of others. Doing so can sound patronizing. It is more natural to use 上手 when praising someone else's ability.
Did you know?
- While 得意 refers to skill, it also describes a 'favorite' or 'go-to' person. For example, a 得意先 is a regular or preferred customer in business.
- Japanese has a distinct word for being 'bad at' something, 苦手, which is the direct opposite of 得意. It describes not just a lack of skill but a personal dislike or aversion to the activity.
- The word 得意 shares its kanji with the word for 'satisfaction' or 'pride'. This reflects the internal feeling of confidence that distinguishes it from the objective skill of 上手.
Examples in context
- 料理が得意です。ryouri ga tokui desu.I am good at cooking.
- 数学が得意な生徒です。suugaku ga tokui na seito desu.I am a student who is good at math.
- 彼はテニスが得意です。kare wa tenisu ga tokui desu.He is good at tennis.
Example conversation
Hana and Yota are talking about their hobbies.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太くんは、何が得意ですか。Yōta-kun wa, nani ga tokui desu ka.Yota, what are you good at?
- 陽太 Yota僕は絵を描くのが得意だよ。Boku wa e o kaku no ga tokui da yo.I am good at drawing pictures.
- 陽葵 Himariすごい！いつか見せてね。Sugoi! Itsuka misete ne.Amazing! Please show me someday.
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。陽葵ちゃんは何が得意なの？Ii yo. Himari-chan wa nani ga tokui na no?Sure. What are you good at, Himari?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 得意, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
