1.
skillful; efficient; deft; adept at handling tasks
Describes someone who performs tasks quickly, smoothly, and competently. Emphasizes practical skill and efficiency in execution rather than innate talent.
彼女は手際が良い。
She is very efficient.
手際良く料理を作る。
To cook skillfully and efficiently.
スタッフが手際良く会場を準備してくれたおかげで、予定通り始められた。
Thanks to the staff efficiently setting up the venue, we were able to start on schedule.
手際 means "skill in handling" or "dexterity" — from 手 (hand) + 際 (manner, edge). The expression praises someone's practical ability to get things done smoothly.
USAGE:
Often used adverbially as 手際良く (efficiently, deftly) to modify verbs. The negative 手際が悪い describes clumsy or inefficient work. Common in cooking, work, and service contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手際良く片付ける — to tidy up efficiently
- 手際良く料理する — to cook deftly
- 手際が悪い — clumsy, inefficient
- 手際の良さ — efficiency, deftness
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 器用な — dexterous, handy (innate manual skill)
- 要領が良い — shrewd, knowing how to get things done (street-smart efficiency)
- 手慣れた — practiced, experienced (implies familiarity from repetition)