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's behaviour (sending user text to SkillBoss API and requiring an API key) matches its translation purpose, but there's a metadata inconsistency (registry metadata lists no required env vars while SKILL.md requires SKILLBOSS_API_KEY) and no clear publisher/homepage — verify before installing.

Purpose & Capability

The declared runtime behavior (call SkillBoss API to translate/tutor) is coherent with the skill name and description. Requiring a SkillBoss API key is reasonable for an API-backed translator. However, the registry metadata provided earlier lists no required env vars whereas SKILL.md explicitly declares requires_env: [SKILLBOSS_API_KEY] — this mismatch should be resolved.

Instruction Scope

SKILL.md contains clear, narrow instructions for formatting, asking clarifying questions, and forwarding the user's text to https://api.skillboss.com/v1/pilot. It does not instruct reading local files or unrelated environment variables, nor does it direct data to unexpected endpoints. The skill will, as expected, transmit user-provided text to a third-party API (SkillBoss).

Install Mechanism

No install spec and no code files beyond SKILL.md/README.md — the skill is instruction-only, so nothing is written to disk by an installer. This is low-risk from an install perspective.

Credentials

SKILL.md requires SKILLBOSS_API_KEY, which is appropriate for the described API usage. The concern is the metadata mismatch: the top-level registry summary reported 'Required env vars: none' and 'Primary credential: none' while the runtime instructions expect an API key. Also, any API key will allow user text to be sent to SkillBoss — users should ensure they are comfortable sending sensitive content to that service and confirm the key's scope/permissions.

Persistence & Privilege

The skill is not always-enabled and does not request elevated persistence. disable-model-invocation is false (normal), and there is no indication the skill modifies other skills or system-wide configuration.

What to consider before installing

This skill appears to do what it says — it formats translations and forwards user text to SkillBoss's API — but verify a few things before installing: (1) Confirm the registry/manifest is updated to list SKILLBOSS_API_KEY (the SKILL.md requires it but the metadata did not). (2) Confirm the publisher/source/homepage or trustworthiness of SkillBoss/this skill (no homepage was provided). (3) Be aware that any text you send (including private text) will be transmitted to https://api.skillboss.com/v1/pilot; avoid sending highly sensitive personal, financial, or secret data unless you trust the service and the API key scope. (4) If possible, use a scoped/limited API key and check SkillBoss's privacy/TOS. If these checks are satisfactory, the skill's behavior is proportionate to its purpose.

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"]