Hanamaruhanamaru

Say someone's good at something

Use this to say someone is good at something.

JLPTN5
[noun] が 上手です~ ga jōzu desu

someone is good at [something]

Example Sentence

The skill you are good at is marked with , not , which surprises many learners. 上手 is a -adjective, so it takes です in polite speech. It usually describes another person's skill rather than your own, since calling yourself 上手 can sound boastful.

Tips and Common Traps

Hana· Key point

Use 〜が上手です to hype someone up — when a friend plays or draws well. Say it about others, not yourself.

Maru· Common trap

Watch the particle — it's , not . Think "the singing is skillful" and it clicks.

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