つたない

Alternative writings: 拙い
Frequency:
1

Of poor quality; crude or shoddy in workmanship or expression.

I-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

このつたない文章でも、本当の気持ちは伝わると思う。

Even with this poor/roughly written text, I think my true feelings come across.

初めて作った料理で拙いところが多かったが、家族は喜んでくれた。

There were many rough points in the dish I made for the first time, but my family was pleased.

拙い作品だと自分でも思うが、経験として出品した。

I know it's a poor work, but I exhibited it as experience.

2

Unskillful; clumsy or inept in performance, behavior, or technique.

I-AdjectiveUsually Kana

Examples

拙い英語ですが、自己紹介させてください。

My English is poor, but please allow me to introduce myself.

彼の説明は拙くて、聞いていて混乱した。

His explanation was inept, and I got confused listening.

子どもの頃は絵が拙かったが、今はだいぶ上手になった。

My drawings were unskillful when I was a child, but now I've gotten much better.

3

Unlucky; used archaically to indicate unfortunate circumstances.

I-Adjective

Examples

拙いことに、約束の日に急な用事が入ってしまった。

Unluckily, an urgent matter came up on the day of the appointment.

Word Relationships

Antonym
Derivations