下手
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Base na-adjective form. Used to describe lack of skill or poor ability in activities. Must be followed by 『な』 (na) when modifying a noun, e.g., 『下手な人』 (heta na hito, 'unskillful person').
Theme
At a local community center, User and their friend Ken are discussing hobbies after a pottery class. Ken is curious about User's progress in learning new skills.
下手
へた
unskillful / poor
People & IdentityEmotions & Personality
Memory Hook
Imagine someone trying to play guitar but hitting the strings with their 'hand' (て te) in a clumsy way — they're 'unskillful' or 'poor' at it. 'Hand' → 下手 (heta, 'unskillful').
Cultural Note
In Japanese culture, being modest is valued, so people might say 『下手です』 (heta desu, 'I'm not good at it') even if they are skilled, to show humility. This word is often used in contexts like sports, arts, or hobbies.
Forms
Base: 下手Base na-adjective form. Used to describe lack of skill or poor ability in activities. Must be followed by 『な』 (na) when modifying a noun, e.g., 『下手な人』 (heta na hito, 'unskillful person').
Negative: 下手ではないAdd 『ではない』 (de wa nai, 'is not') after the base form → 『下手ではない』 (heta de wa nai).
Past: 下手だったAdd 『だった』 (datta, past) after the base form → 『下手だった』 (heta datta).
Adverbial: 下手にAdd 『に』 (ni, adverbial) after the base form → 『下手に』 (heta ni).
Comparative: より下手Comparative formed with modifier 『より』 (yori, 'more than') + base adjective.
Superlative: 一番下手Superlative formed with 『一番』 (ichiban, 'number one / Most') + base adjective.