下手(へた)

へた
adjective (na-adjective), noun
unskillful, bad at
1. unskillful, bad at
Describes someone who lacks skill or ability in something. The opposite of 上手(じょうず) (skillful). Can be self-deprecating when used about oneself.
私(わたし)は歌(うた)が下手(へた)です。
I'm bad at singing.
Self-deprecating usage
字(じ)が下手(へた)ですみません。
Sorry, my handwriting is poor.
下手(へた)でもいいから、挑戦(ちょうせん)しよう。
Even if I'm not good at it, let's give it a try.

下手(へた) is a na-adjective meaning unskillful or bad at something.

PATTERN:
〜が下手(へた)です: to be bad at ~

CONTRAST:

  • 上手(じょうず): skillful, good at (opposite)
  • 得意(とくい): strong point, good at (confidence-based)
  • 苦手(にがて): not good at, weak point (broader than skill — includes dislike)

CULTURE:
Japanese modesty (謙遜(けんそん)) means people commonly say 下手(へた)です about their own abilities, even when skilled. This is polite, not necessarily literal.

CAUTION:
Avoid using 下手(へた) directly about others — it can sound blunt or rude. 苦手(にがて) or 上手(じょうず)じゃない are softer alternatives.

FORMS:

  • 下手(へた)な〜: unskillful ~ (modifier)
  • 下手(へた)に: clumsily, poorly (adverbial)

Related Words

Antonym: 上手(じょうず) (skillful)
general
Added 2026.1.7 21:32 · Revised 2026.4.2 13:29
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