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得意
とくい
good at
彼女は数学が得意です。
She is good at math.
neutral
Skilled or proficient in a particular area; having a natural talent or expertise.
彼は料理が得意です。
He is good at cooking.
得意なスポーツは何ですか？
What sport are you good at?
Often used to describe personal strengths or areas where one excels.
Business
A customer who regularly patronizes a particular shop or business.
この店の得意はどなたですか？
Who are the regular customers of this shop?
Common in commercial contexts, especially in older or traditional businesses.
literary
Pride or satisfaction in one's own achievements or abilities.
得意の表情
a proud expression
Refers to a feeling of accomplishment or smugness.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding Confusion with 上手
得意 emphasizes personal skill or talent, often implying a natural ability. 上手 (じょうず) means 'skillful' or 'good at' but is more general and can be used for both people and things. Example: 彼は歌が得意です (He is good at singing) vs. 彼は歌が上手です (He sings well).
Gold Rule
Usage with の
得意 can be followed by の to modify a noun, e.g., 得意な科目 (subject one is good at), 得意な料理 (dish one is good at cooking).
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 得る (える, eru, 'to gain') and the noun 意 (い, i, 'mind/intention'), meaning 'to gain mastery over something in one's mind.' The compound emphasizes an internalized skill or talent.
Usage Notes
得意 is commonly used in both personal and business contexts. When referring to skills, it implies a natural ability rather than learned proficiency. In business, 得意先 (とくいさき) means 'regular customer.'
Word Breakdown
得
to gain/to acquire
root意
mind/intention
root和英辞典