世渡(よわた)り

よわたり
noun, suru-verb
getting through life; making one's way in the world
1. getting through life; making one's way in the world; social navigation
The skill or act of navigating social relationships and circumstances to survive and succeed in society.
世渡(よわた)りが上手(じょうず)な人(ひと)だ。
They're someone who knows how to get by in the world.
世渡(よわた)りが下手(へた)で苦労(くろう)した。
I had a hard time because I'm not good at social navigation.
厳(きび)しい世(よ)の中(なか)を世渡(よわた)りしていく。
Making one's way through a harsh world.

ETYMOLOGY:
世(よ) (world, society) + 渡(わた)り (crossing, getting across) - crossing through the world/society.

USAGE:

Often used with:

  • 上手(じょうず) - good at social navigation
  • 下手(へた) - bad at social navigation

COLLOCATIONS:

  • 世渡(よわた)りが上手(じょうず) - good at getting by
  • 世渡(よわた)りが下手(へた) - not good at social navigation
  • 世渡(よわた)り上手(じょうず) - socially savvy person

RELATED:

  • 処世術(しょせいじゅつ) - wisdom for getting through life
  • 根回(ねまわ)し - behind-the-scenes preparation

Related Words

Related: 処世術(しょせいじゅつ) (wisdom for living)
general
Added 2026.1.21 9:27 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07500/07736_yowatari