器用

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 器用 is a noun and na-adjective read きよう, describing skill or dexterity in using one's hands or tools.
• Basic usage: Use 器用に紙を折る to modify a skillful action and 手先が器用だ for being handy or dexterous.
  • 彼女は器用に紙を折って鳥を作った。 describes her skillfully folding paper into a bird; 祖父は手先が器用で家具も自分で直す。 says that the grandfather is handy and even repairs furniture himself.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 器用に折る
  • The adverbial に describes the skill with which the paper is folded.
• 手先が器用だ
  • 手先 focuses especially on dexterity in detailed work done by hand.
• 手先が器用で
  • The linking form で connects his dexterity to repairing furniture himself.