1.
knack; trick; key; secret (to doing something well)
The essential technique or insight needed to do something well. The key skill or approach that makes a task easier once understood.
Common expressions
- コツをつかむ (to get the hang of something)
- コツを覚える (to learn the knack)
- コツを教える (to teach the trick)
- 〜のコツ (the key to/the trick for ~)
Writing
Usually written in katakana as コツ. Sometimes written as 骨 (literally "bone"), but this is less common.
Usage examples
- 上達のコツ (the key to improvement)
- 節約のコツ (the trick to saving money)
- コミュニケーションのコツ (the secret to good communication)
Usage
コツ implies that there's something specific—a technique, approach, or insight—that, once grasped, makes a task much easier. It's often something that isn't obvious but can be taught or discovered through experience.