〜が下手です
be bad at ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜が下手です” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜が下手です」 means "be bad at ~". Structure: Noun + が下手です. 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私は勉強が下手です。
わたしはべんきょうがへたです。
watashihabenkyougahetadesu.
I am bad at study.
Everyday life
Example 2私は質問が下手です。
わたしはしつもんがへたです。
watashihashitsumongahetadesu.
I am bad at question.
Shopping & services
Example 3私は買い物が下手です。
わたしはかいものがへたです。
watashihakaimonogahetadesu.
I am bad at shopping.
Everyday life
Example 4私は洗濯が下手です。
わたしはせんたくがへたです。
watashihasentakugahetadesu.
I am bad at laundry.
Everyday life
Example 5私は電話が下手です。
わたしはでんわがへたです。
watashihadenwagahetadesu.
I am bad 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
I am bad at study.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜が下手です.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.