のが上手
To be good at, Proficient
Structure
Explanation
The phrase ～のが上手 functions very similarly to ～のが好き. However, instead of expressing a preference ('to like'), it indicates skill or proficiency ('to be good at'). This grammar pattern always attaches to the dictionary form of a verb.
- 兄は料理をするのが上手です。My older brother is good at cooking.
- 山田さんは絵を描くのが上手です。Ms. Yamada is good at drawing pictures.
As shown in the sentences above, it does not matter if the verb is an Ichidan or Godan verb; the plain form is always used. Here, のが serves to nominalize the preceding verb, effectively turning the action into a noun concept. Note that のは is not a valid replacement, because the adjective 上手 requires the particle が to mark what someone is skilled at.
Caution
To state that someone was skilled at an activity in the past, keep the verb in its dictionary form and conjugate 上手 into its past tense form.
- 弟は子供の頃、走るのが上手だった。When my younger brother was a child, he was good at running.
Caution
Be mindful when describing your own abilities. Using 上手 for yourself can come across as boastful. To sound more modest, it is common to use 得意 instead.
- 文章を書くのが上手です。I am good at writing. (My writing could be published)
- 文章を書くのが得意です。I'm good at writing. (I have confidence in my writing ability)
Examples
ケンさんは車の運転をするのが上手です。
Ken is good at driving.
写真を撮るのが上手。
(She) is good at taking pictures.
彼は説明するのが上手でしょう。
He is good at explaining things, isn't he?
彼女は、人の話を聞くのが上手です。
She is good at listening to people.
彼女は絵を描くのが上手。
She is good at drawing.
あの人は人の名前を覚えるのが上手。
That person is good at remembering people's names.
私の兄は、掃除するのが上手。
My older brother is good at cleaning.
彼は子供だけど、パズルを解くのが上手。
He is just a child, but he is good at solving puzzles.
彼女は毎日練習するので、ピアノを弾くのが上手です。
Since she practices every day, she is good at playing the piano.
店長は、人を褒めるのが上手ですね。
The manager is good at complimenting people, isn't he?
友達はプログラミングをするのが上手です。
My friend is good at programming.
私は練習してから、テニスをするのが上手になりました。
After practicing, I became good at playing tennis.