1.
efficiently; deftly; in a well-organized manner
Doing something in a smart, organized way that gets good results without wasting time or effort.
要領よく仕事を片付けた。
I finished the work efficiently.
彼女は要領よく説明するので分かりやすい。
She explains things in a well-organized way, so it's easy to understand.
限られた時間の中で要領よく準備を進めないと、本番に間に合わない。
If we don't prepare efficiently within the limited time, we won't make it in time for the real thing.
Formed from 要領 (the knack; the key point) + よく (well). Describes someone who grasps the essentials quickly and acts on them without wasted motion. Can carry a slightly envious or even mildly negative connotation — implying someone is shrewd or cuts corners skillfully.
The opposite is 要領が悪い (to be bad at getting things done efficiently; clumsy in approach).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 要領よくこなす: to handle efficiently
- 要領よくまとめる: to summarize concisely
- 要領よく立ち回る: to maneuver deftly
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 手際よく: skillfully; deftly — emphasizes smooth execution of a task
- 効率よく: efficiently — more neutral and objective
- 器用に: skillfully; adroitly — emphasizes inherent dexterity