不器用(ぶきよう)

ぶきよう
na-adjective, noun
clumsy; awkward; unskillful
descriptive
1. clumsy; not dexterous
Lacking physical coordination or manual skill. Unable to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills well.
私(わたし)は不器用(ぶきよう)だから、料理(りょうり)が苦手(にがて)だ。
I'm clumsy, so I'm not good at cooking.
手先(てさき)が不器用(ぶきよう)で、折(お)り紙(がみ)がうまく折(お)れない。
I'm clumsy with my hands and can't fold origami well.
不器用(ぶきよう)ながらも一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)やっている。
I may be clumsy, but I'm doing my best.
2. awkward; tactless; inept (with people/emotions)
Unable to express oneself well or handle social situations smoothly. Often used about one's inability to show feelings or communicate effectively.
彼(かれ)は不器用(ぶきよう)で、うまく気持(きも)ちを伝(つた)えられない。
He's awkward and can't express his feelings well.
不器用(ぶきよう)な生(い)き方(かた)しかできないけど、それでもいい。
I can only live life in my clumsy way, but that's fine.
彼(かれ)は不器用(ぶきよう)ながらも一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)愛情(あいじょう)を伝(つた)えようとしている姿(すがた)が好(す)きだ。
I love how he tries so hard to express his feelings, even though he's awkward about it.
不器用(ぶきよう)ながらも一生懸命(いっしょうけんめい)やっている。
I may be clumsy, but I'm doing my best.

Two main meanings

1) PHYSICAL: Not good with one's hands

2) EMOTIONAL/SOCIAL: Unable to express feelings or navigate relationships smoothly

Common expressions

  • 不器用(ぶきよう)な人(ひと) (a clumsy/awkward person)
  • 不器用(ぶきよう)ながらも (though clumsy, nevertheless...)

Usage

Often used with a sense of sympathy or endearment. A 不器用(ぶきよう) person who tries hard can be seen as admirable.

Similar words

Related Words

Antonym: 器用(きよう) (skillful)
Compare: どんくさい (clumsy, slow-witted, awkward)
Compare: 下手(へた)くそ (terrible at, very clumsy)
Compare: 要領(ようりょう)が悪(わる)い (inefficient)
Compare: 無骨(ぶこつ) (rough)
Compare: 世渡(よわた)り下手(べた) (being bad at getting along in the world)
general
Added 2026.1.18 12:51 · Revised 2026.9.2 12:02
06500/06642_bukiyou