What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 英語が上手ですね (eigo ga jōzu desu ne) literally means 'English is skillful, isn't it?'
Which one should you use?
While 英語が上手ですね is a general compliment, 英語が得意ですね is used to say 'You're good at English'. If you want to express that someone's English is amazing in a more casual way, you can use 君の英語、すごいね.
How do you pronounce it?
eigo ga jōzu desu ne
What mistakes should you avoid?
While jōzu is a great word for complimenting others, you should not use it to describe your own skills, as this is considered arrogant. If you want to describe your own proficiency, use tokui or other humble expressions instead.
When do people say it?
In Japanese culture, 英語が上手ですね is a common polite compliment. However, be aware that it can sometimes feel patronizing to a highly proficient speaker if the compliment comes from a beginner. If someone offers you this compliment, a common humble response is いえいえ、まだまだです (Ie ie, mada mada desu), which means 'No no, I still have a long way to go'.
Did you know?
- The word うまい (umai) used in 英会話がうまいですね can also mean 'delicious' when talking about food. In a linguistic context, it describes a 'savory' or natural fluency.
- The word 上手 (jōzu) is written with the characters for 'up' and 'hand'. It is a visual representation of having a 'hand' that is 'above' or superior in a specific task.
- The phrase まだまだです (mada mada desu) is a cultural ritual of modesty. Even a near-native speaker might say this to avoid appearing boastful, regardless of their actual level.
Examples in context
- 英語が上手ですね。Eigo ga jouzu desu ne.Your English is good.
- 田中さんは英語が上手ですね。Tanaka-san wa eigo ga jouzu desu ne.Mr. Tanaka, your English is good.
Example conversation
Youta and Misaki are chatting at a cafe.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さん、英語が上手ですね。Misaki-san, eigo ga jouzu desu ne.Misaki, your English is good.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます！Arigatou gozaimasu!Thank you very much!
- 陽太 Yotaどこで勉強したんですか？Doko de benkyou shita n desu ka?Where did you study?
- 美咲 Misaki大学の時に留学しました。Daigaku no toki ni ryuugaku shimashita.I studied abroad during university.
