腕前 and 手際: displayed skill and capable handling of work
Compare skill demonstrated in a performance with the way work is handled, identifying the different focus of ability and execution.
Displayed proficiency with 腕前
腕前 (うでまえ) refers to proficiency or skill in doing something. The example 「料理人が包丁さばきの腕前を披露した。」 is translated as “The chef demonstrated skill in handling a knife.” The chef demonstrates proficiency in handling a knife.
The example 「久しぶりの対局で互いの腕前を確かめ合った。」 is translated as “In our first match in a long time, we tested each other's ability.” The participants test each other's ability in a match after a long interval. No winner or score is stated.
Handling work with 手際
手際 (てぎわ) refers to skillful handling of work. The example 「料理人は見事な手際で魚をさばいた。」 is translated as “The cook prepared the fish with excellent skill.” The sentence assesses the skill used in preparing fish. 腕前 in knife handling and 手際 in preparation can overlap within cooking.
The example 「受付の手際が良く、列はすぐに短くなった。」 is translated as “Efficient reception work quickly shortened the line.” The reception work is efficient and the line quickly becomes shorter. 手際 can describe capable handling of office work as well as manual skill.
Skill and the quality of execution
腕前 emphasizes displayed proficiency; 手際 emphasizes the capable way work is handled. They can concern the same person's activity rather than incompatible abilities.
Identify the performance and process being assessed. Praise or capable handling does not supply an exact score or a ranked processing time.
What is assessed when knife-handling 腕前 is demonstrated and when good reception 手際 shortens the line?
Show the answer and why
The first assesses demonstrated knife-handling proficiency. The second assesses capable reception work and reports the shorter line. 手際 is not limited to hand movements, and both kinds of skill can overlap in cooking.