1.
unskillful, poor, clumsy, inexpert
Lacking skill or proficiency. Often used self-deprecatingly to describe one's own abilities, particularly in language, writing, or performance. Can also describe genuinely poor quality.
拙い日本語ですみません。
I'm sorry for my poor Japanese.
拙い文章ですが、読んでいただけますか。
It's poorly written, but would you read it?
拙い説明で申し訳ありませんが、ご理解いただければ幸いです。
I apologize for my clumsy explanation, but I would be grateful for your understanding.
USAGE:
Frequently used as a humble self-deprecation when presenting one's own work, speech, or writing to others. The phrase 拙い日本語ですが... is a common opener for non-native speakers. While it can describe genuinely poor quality, the self-deprecating use is more common in practice.
FORMS:
- Adverbial: 拙く
- Noun form: 拙さ
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 拙い日本語: poor Japanese (self-deprecating)
- 拙い文章: poorly written text
- 拙い表現: clumsy expression
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 下手: unskillful, bad at (more casual and direct)
- 未熟: immature, inexperienced (emphasizes lack of training)
- 稚拙: childish and clumsy (stronger criticism)