腕前
udemae
The English word 'prowess' can be translated into Japanese as 腕前 (udemae).
腕前 is used to describe a person's skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise. To express the idea of 'showing off one's prowess' or 'exerting one's skill,' you can use the idiomatic phrase 腕を振るう (ude o furuu).
Meaning: skillfulness or extraordinary ability in a particular area of expertise (noun)
Which one should you use?
腕前 refers to technical skill or craftsmanship.
How do you pronounce it?
udemae
Did you know?
- The word 腕前 can be used ironically in casual conversation. If someone fails spectacularly at a task, a friend might comment on their 腕前 to tease them about their lack of skill.
- While 'prowess' in English often implies martial or heroic talent, 腕前 is more commonly applied to domestic or culinary arts, such as a chef's skill.
- The word 腕前 (udemae) literally translates to 'the performance of the arm'.
Examples in context
- 彼の音楽の技量は驚くべきものだ。His musical prowess is astounding.
- 彼は数学の才覚を持っています。He has a mathematical prowess.
- 彼の料理の腕前は本当に素晴らしいよ。His cooking prowess is truly amazing.
- 彼女のダンスの技術はすごいね。Her dance prowess is impressive.
- あいつ、マージャンの能力がヤバいんだよ。His Mahjong prowess is insane.
- 彼の料理の腕前は素晴らしい。Kare no ryouri no udamae wa subarashii.His cooking prowess is wonderful.
- 彼女のピアノの腕前は本物だ。Kanojo no piano no udamae wa honmono da.Her piano prowess is the real deal.
- 父の書道の腕前を見たい。Chichi no shodou no udamae o mitai.I want to see my father's calligraphy prowess.
Example conversation
At a small neighborhood cafe where Kenta is working.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんのコーヒーの腕前、すごいですね！Kenta-san no koohii no udamae, sugoi desu ne!Kenta, your coffee brewing prowess is amazing!
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。そう言ってもらえると嬉しいです。Arigatou gozaimasu. Sou itte moraeru to ureshii desu.Thank you. I'm happy to hear you say that.
- 陽葵 Himari本当に、プロ並みですよ。Hontou ni, puro nami desu yo.Really, it is like a professional's.
- 健太 Kentaこれからも精進します。Kore kara mo shoujin shimasu.I will keep working hard.
