上手な絵
jōzu na e
In Japanese, "nice drawing" is translated as 上手な絵 (jōzu na e).
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that their artwork is skillfully made. While you can use the phrase 上手な絵 to describe the work itself, in natural conversation, Japanese speakers are more likely to say 上手ですね! (You are skillful!) when complimenting someone directly.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 上手な (skillful) and 絵 (picture/drawing).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 上手な is a na-adjective, which means it requires the particle な to modify the noun 絵.
How do you pronounce it?
jōzu na e
When do people say it?
When complimenting a child or a student, using 上手 is a very common way to encourage their efforts.
Did you know?
- The word 上手 (jōzu) is strictly for praising others. Using it to describe your own skill is considered arrogant and is socially taboo.
- When someone says 上手ですね to you, the culturally traditional response is to say いえいえ (no, no) to show modesty instead of saying 'thank you'.
- In traditional Japanese theater, the characters for 上手 are read as 'kamite' and refer to the stage right side from the audience's perspective.
Examples in context
- 友達の絵、すごくきれいな絵だね！Your friend's drawing is really beautiful, isn't it?
- いつも素敵な絵を描くね！お疲れ様！You always create lovely drawings! Great job!
- これは本当に上手な絵だ。Kore wa hontou ni jouzu na e da.This is a truly nice drawing.
Example conversation
Hiyori sees a sketch in Daito's notebook.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くん、上手な絵を描いたね。Daitō-kun, jōzu na e o kaita ne.Daito, you drew a nice picture.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう。練習しているんだ。Arigatō. Renshū shite iru nda.Thanks. I've been practicing.
- 陽葵 Himari色がとても綺麗だと思うよ。Iro ga totemo kirei da to omou yo.I think the colors are very beautiful.
- 大翔 Hirotoそう言ってもらえて嬉しいよ。Sō itte moraete ureshii yo.I'm happy to hear you say that.
