長所を生かす
utilize strengths
Literally: 長所 (strong point) + を (object marker) + 生かす (to bring to life / make use of)
Use this phrase to describe applying your best qualities to achieve success in any situation.
In 15 Seconds
- Focus on using your best traits effectively.
- Common in job interviews and personal growth.
- Combines 'strong point' with 'bringing to life'.
Meaning
This phrase is all about taking your best traits and putting them to work. It’s like finding your superpower and using it to win the day instead of worrying about your flaws.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
私の長所を生かして、この会社に貢献したいです。
I want to contribute to this company by utilizing my strengths.
Giving advice to a friend
君の明るい長所を生かせば、きっと上手くいくよ。
If you use your cheerful personality to your advantage, it'll surely go well.
Texting a teammate
みんなの長所を生かして頑張ろう！
Let's all do our best by playing to our strengths!
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the Japanese concept of 'tekizai-tekisho' (the right person in the right place). It became increasingly popular as Japanese corporate culture shifted from generalist training to specialist roles. It emphasizes that everyone has a unique value to offer the collective.
The Kanji Secret
If you see `活かす` instead of `生かす`, don't panic! It's the same meaning, but `活かす` is specifically for 'utilizing' skills, while `生かす` is the more general 'to let live'.
Don't be a Tool
Avoid using this for literal tools like hammers or software. Use `活用する` (katsuyou suru) for those. This phrase is for human qualities!
In 15 Seconds
- Focus on using your best traits effectively.
- Common in job interviews and personal growth.
- Combines 'strong point' with 'bringing to life'.
What It Means
Think of 長所を生かす as giving your talents a chance to shine. The word 長所 means your strong points or merits. The verb 生かす literally means 'to let live' or 'to bring to life.' When you put them together, you aren't just using a skill. You are breathing life into it. It is the opposite of letting your talents gather dust. It’s a very positive, empowering phrase.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is quite simple. You just need a person or a situation. You can say 長所を生かして (utilizing strengths...) to start a sentence. For example, 長所を生かして働きたい means 'I want to work while using my strengths.' You can also use it to give advice. If your friend is a great listener, tell them to 長所を生かして in their new job. It sounds supportive and wise. Just remember that 長所 refers to character traits, not just tools.
When To Use It
You will hear this a lot in professional settings. It is a star phrase in job interviews. Use it when explaining why you are the right fit. It also works in school or sports. If a coach puts a fast runner in a specific position, they are trying to 長所を生かす. You can even use it when talking about your hobbies. Maybe you use your patience to build complex LEGO sets. That is you utilizing your strengths!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for inanimate objects. You wouldn't say you are 'utilizing the strengths' of a toaster. Use 活用する for tools or resources instead. Also, don't use it for things that aren't actually 'good' traits. If someone is really good at lying, calling that a 長所 would be very sarcastic. It is strictly for positive, constructive qualities. Finally, don't use it if you're being overly humble. Sometimes, Japanese culture requires downplaying your skills, but this phrase is for being direct.
Cultural Background
In Japan, there is a big focus on 'Wa' or harmony. Everyone has a specific role in a group. Finding your 長所 is how you contribute to that harmony. It’s not about being the best at everything. It’s about finding the one thing you do well. This helps the whole team succeed. It’s a very common theme in Japanese education and workplace training. It reflects a shift from fixing weaknesses to polishing strengths.
Common Variations
You might see it written as 活かす instead of 生かす. Both are read the same way. 活かす is often used specifically for skills and talents. Another variation is 強みを活かす (tsuyomi o ikasu). 強み is a bit more 'business-like' and means 'competitive advantage.' If you want to sound like a CEO, use 強み. If you want to sound like a supportive friend, stick with 長所.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any setting. Just be careful with the kanji choice (`生かす` vs `活かす`) in formal writing, though most people won't mind which one you use.
The Kanji Secret
If you see `活かす` instead of `生かす`, don't panic! It's the same meaning, but `活かす` is specifically for 'utilizing' skills, while `生かす` is the more general 'to let live'.
Don't be a Tool
Avoid using this for literal tools like hammers or software. Use `活用する` (katsuyou suru) for those. This phrase is for human qualities!
Modesty vs. Strengths
In Japan, it can be awkward to brag. Using `長所を生かす` is a safe way to talk about your skills because it focuses on the *application* of the skill rather than just saying 'I am great'.
Examples
6私の長所を生かして、この会社に貢献したいです。
I want to contribute to this company by utilizing my strengths.
A classic, polite way to show your value to an employer.
君の明るい長所を生かせば、きっと上手くいくよ。
If you use your cheerful personality to your advantage, it'll surely go well.
Encouraging a friend by highlighting their personality trait.
みんなの長所を生かして頑張ろう！
Let's all do our best by playing to our strengths!
Great for team morale and group chats.
どこでも寝られるという長所を生かして、昼寝を極めます。
I'll master the art of napping by utilizing my strength of being able to sleep anywhere.
Using a serious phrase for a silly personal 'talent.'
自分の長所を生かす場所が必ずどこかにあるよ。
There is definitely a place somewhere where you can use your strengths.
Comforting someone who feels out of place or discouraged.
子供の長所を生かす教育をしたいと考えています。
I want to provide an education that brings out my child's strengths.
Commonly used by parents or teachers in formal meetings.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase about using your best qualities.
自分の___を生かして、新しい仕事に挑戦します。
長所 means 'strong point,' which fits the context of 'utilizing' (生かす) for a new job.
Complete the sentence to mean 'I want to utilize my strengths.'
長所を___たいです。
生かしたい is the 'want to' form of 生かす (to utilize/bring to life).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 長所を生かす
Talking to siblings or close friends about hobbies.
長所を生かそうぜ！
Standard daily conversation or advice.
長所を生かすことが大事だね。
Job interviews or business presentations.
私の長所を生かしたいと考えております。
Where to use 長所を生かす
Job Interview
Pitching your skills to a recruiter.
Sports Coaching
Assigning roles based on player talent.
Parenting
Encouraging a child's natural curiosity.
Self-Help
Journaling about personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions長所 (chousho) literally means 'long point.' It refers to your merits or strengths, as opposed to 短所 (tansho), which are your 'short points' or weaknesses.
Not at all! It's very neutral. You can use it with friends by saying 長所を生かしてね (Make use of your strengths, okay?).
Yes, it is very common in business. You might say 個々の長所を生かしたチーム作り (Building a team that utilizes individual strengths).
使う (tsukau) just means 'to use.' 生かす (ikasu) means to use something in a way that brings out its full potential or 'brings it to life.'
Technically no. You would say 短所を克服する (overcome weaknesses). 生かす is for positive things you want to flourish.
Not really a slang version, but young people might just say 強みを使う (tsuyomi o tsukau) in a very casual way.
You can say 自分の長所が分かりません (Jibun no chousho ga wakarimasen). It's a common thing to say when seeking advice!
Actually, yes! In older slang, イカす (ikasu) means 'cool' or 'stylish.' But when written as 生かす, it's the 'utilize' meaning.
Yes, but 強みを生かす (tsuyomi o ikasu) is slightly more common when talking about a company's competitive edge.
The opposite would be 長所を殺す (chousho o korosu), which means to 'kill' or stifle someone's strengths.
Related Phrases
強みを活かす
To leverage one's competitive strengths.
持ち味を出す
To show one's unique characteristics/flavor.
本領を発揮する
To display one's true ability/talent.
適材適所
The right person in the right place.
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