〜が上手です
be good at ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜が上手です” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜が上手です」 means "be good at ~". Structure: Noun + が上手です. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At school
Example 1彼は勉強が上手です。
かれはべんきょうがじょうずです。
karehabenkyougajouzudesu.
He is good at study.
Everyday life
Example 2彼は質問が上手です。
かれはしつもんがじょうずです。
karehashitsumongajouzudesu.
He is good at question.
Shopping & services
Example 3彼は買い物が上手です。
かれはかいものがじょうずです。
karehakaimonogajouzudesu.
He is good at shopping.
Everyday life
Example 4彼は洗濯が上手です。
かれはせんたくがじょうずです。
karehasentakugajouzudesu.
He is good at laundry.
Everyday life
Example 5彼は電話が上手です。
かれはでんわがじょうずです。
karehadenwagajouzudesu.
He is good at telephone call.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
He is good at study.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜が上手です.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.