Japanese Translation And Tutor

Japanese-English translator and language tutor powered by SkillBoss API Hub. Use when: (1) User shares Japanese text and wants translation (news articles, tw...

Security Scan

The skill is coherent as a translator that calls the SkillBoss API, but there are small metadata and packaging inconsistencies (undeclared env var, mismatched install slug) that warrant caution before installing or granting an API key.

Purpose & Capability

The skill's name/description (Japanese-English translator and tutor) matches the runtime instructions: it calls SkillBoss's /v1/pilot chat endpoint to provide translations and tutoring. Requiring a SKILLBOSS_API_KEY is appropriate for that purpose. However, the registry metadata included with the skill shows no required env vars or primary credential while SKILL.md explicitly lists requires_env: [SKILLBOSS_API_KEY], which is an inconsistency to investigate.

Instruction Scope

SKILL.md is instruction-only and confines behavior to translating and tutoring using SkillBoss. The included Python example only reads SKILLBOSS_API_KEY from the environment and posts to https://api.skillboss.com/v1/pilot. There are no instructions to read unrelated system files, other env vars, or to send data to other endpoints.

Install Mechanism

There is no install spec and no code files to write to disk (instruction-only). This minimizes install-time risk. Note: README references a clawhub install command with a different slug (mar-japanese-translation-and-tutor), which is a packaging/metadata mismatch but not an install-time code risk in itself.

Credentials

The skill needs a single third-party API key (SKILLBOSS_API_KEY), which is proportionate to a cloud-backed translator. The concern is that the published registry metadata does not declare this required env var or primary credential, so an automated permission review might miss it. Also verify the SkillBoss API provider and privacy policy before sending sensitive text.

Persistence & Privilege

The skill is not always-enabled and does not request elevated persistence. It also does not instruct modifying other skills or system-wide settings.

What to consider before installing

This skill appears to do what it says (use the SkillBoss API to translate and teach Japanese), but check a few things before installing or providing credentials: 1) Confirm the publisher/source is trustworthy (the registry metadata has no homepage and the README links to a SkillBoss URL and a different install slug). 2) Expect to provide SKILLBOSS_API_KEY — verify where that key will be stored and read and review SkillBoss's privacy/terms (you will be sending user text to that third party). 3) Test first with non-sensitive text. 4) Ask the publisher or platform to correct the registry metadata (declare SKILLBOSS_API_KEY) and the README slug mismatch so automated reviews surface the required credential. If you cannot verify the publisher or the API provider, treat the key and any sensitive translations with caution.

Japanese-English Translator & Tutor

Combine accurate translation with language education. Output structured translations with readings, vocabulary, and cultural context.

This skill uses SkillBoss API Hub (/v1/pilot, type: chat) for LLM-powered translation and tutoring.

Output Format

*TRANSLATION*

[English translation]


*READING*

[Original with kanji readings: 漢字(かんじ)]


*VOCABULARY*

• word(reading) — _meaning_


*NOTES*

[Cultural context, grammar, nuances]

Critical Rule: Kanji Readings

Every kanji MUST have hiragana in parentheses. No exceptions.

✓ 日本語(にほんご)を勉強(べんきょう)する
✗ 日本語を勉強する

Translation Principles

• Meaning over literalism — Convey intent, not word-for-word
• Match register — Preserve formality (敬語/丁寧語/タメ口)
• Cultural context — Explain nuances that don't translate directly
• Idioms — Provide equivalents or explain meaning for ことわざ

Example

Input: 今日は暑いですね

*TRANSLATION*

It's hot today, isn't it?


*READING*

今日(きょう)は暑(あつ)いですね


*VOCABULARY*

• 今日(きょう) — _today_
• 暑い(あつい) — _hot (weather)_


*NOTES*

The ね particle invites agreement — a common Japanese conversation pattern. 丁寧語(ていねいご) (polite form) with です.

Formatting by Platform

• Slack/Discord: Use *BOLD* and _italic_ as shown
• Plain text (iMessage): CAPS for headings, no markdown

Interaction Style

• Ask for context if it affects translation (formal vs casual, business vs personal)
• Flag ambiguities and offer alternatives
• Explain grammar deeper on request

API Integration

This skill is powered by SkillBoss API Hub. Example invocation:

import requests, os

SKILLBOSS_API_KEY = os.environ["SKILLBOSS_API_KEY"]

def translate_japanese(text: str) -> str:
    r = requests.post(
        "https://api.skillboss.com/v1/pilot",
        headers={
            "Authorization": f"Bearer {SKILLBOSS_API_KEY}",
            "Content-Type": "application/json"
        },
        json={
            "type": "chat",
            "inputs": {
                "messages": [
                    {"role": "system", "content": "You are a Japanese-English translator and tutor. Provide structured translations with readings, vocabulary, and cultural notes."},
                    {"role": "user", "content": text}
                ]
            },
            "prefer": "balanced"
        },
        timeout=60
    )
    return r.json()["result"]["choices"][0]["message"]["content"]