上達したい
joutatsu shitai
上達したい (joutatsu shitai) is the Japanese phrase for "I want to improve".
This phrase is used when discussing the improvement of a specific skill, such as a language, a musical instrument or a sport.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 上達 (joutatsu), which specifically refers to improvement or progress in a skill or ability.
How do you pronounce it?
joutatsu shitai
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific concept called 道 (dou), or 'the way', meaning that wanting to 上達 in an art like calligraphy or archery is viewed as a lifelong spiritual journey rather than a destination.
- While English uses 'improve' for almost everything, Japanese strictly separates skill improvement 上達 from structural or systemic improvement 改善 (kaizen). Using 上達 to describe a business process would sound unnatural to a native speaker.
- The characters in 上達 literally mean 'up' and 'reach'. It paints a mental image of a person reaching a higher level or a summit through their efforts.
Examples in context
- もっとピアノが上達したいです。Motto piano ga jōtatsu shitai desu.I want to improve at the piano more.
- 日本語が上達したい。Nihongo ga jōtatsu shitai.I want to improve my Japanese.
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are talking about their hobbies.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんは最近、何を練習していますか？Misaki-san wa saikin, nani o renshuu shite imasu ka?Misaki, what have you been practicing lately?
- 美咲 Misakiギターを練習しています。早く上達したいです。gitaa o renshuu shite imasu. hayaku joutatsu shitai desu.I'm practicing the guitar. I want to improve quickly.
- 蓮 Ren毎日練習すれば、きっと上手になりますよ。mainichi renshuu sureba, kitto jouzu ni narimasu yo.If you practice every day, I'm sure you'll get better.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。頑張りますね。arigatou gozaimasu. ganbarimasu ne.Thank you. I'll do my best.
