Japanese

たいこうじゃくせつ
Meaning: great skill may appear clumsy or simple
Part of Speech: Noun, Four-character idiom

Listen to pronunciation

Example

彼女の茶碗は一見不格好だが、使うほど大巧若拙の趣がわかる。
Her tea bowl looks awkward at first glance, but the more you use it, the more you sense the charm of great skill that appears simple.

Usage Notes

This formal idiom praises mastery that does not show off. It is often used for art, craft, or technique that looks plain until its depth becomes clear.

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