Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 技術 | gijutsu | [ɡʲiʑɨt͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 腕 | ude | [ɯ̟de̞] (narrow) [ka̠ina̠] (narrow) |
| 技 | waza | [ɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 技能 | ginō | [ɡʲino̞ː] (narrow) |
| 技巧 | gikou | [ɡʲiko̞ː] (narrow) |
| スキル | sukiru | [sɨkʲiɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for 'skill' depending on whether you are referring to technical proficiency, a specific physical technique or a personal talent. You may also use 特技 when referring to a personal talent or a 'special skill' one can perform, which is a standard term for self-introductions.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the nuance of the skill. 技術 often carries the nuance of technical proficiency, scientific knowledge or industrial technology. In contrast, 技 focuses more on a specific technique, maneuver or a clever trick used to achieve a result rather than a broad body of knowledge. The loanword スキル is frequently used in modern contexts such as business, gaming or IT to refer to specific competencies or character abilities. For technical skills or abilities, the term 技能 is used.
How do you pronounce it?
gijutsu
Did you know?
- The word 腕 literally means 'arm', yet it is commonly used to describe someone's proficiency in a craft like cooking or woodworking.
- When Japanese people list a 特技 on a resume or during an introduction, it often refers to an unusual hobby or a party trick rather than a professional qualification.
- The kanji for 技 traces its linguistic roots back to Middle Chinese pronunciations.
Examples in context
- 彼女は料理の腕を自負している。She prides herself on her skill in cooking.This sentence is useful for showing how to express pride in one's cooking 腕.Tatoeba #86259 by arnab, translation #317452 by CK
- 特技はどこでも寝られることです。My special skill is being able to sleep anywhere.This sentence shows how to use the term for a special skill 技.Tatoeba #2795023 by tommy_san, translation #2810781 by xylian
- それって、結構な技術がいりそうね。That looks like it takes a lot of skill.This sentence demonstrates how to describe a task that requires a specific technique 技.Tatoeba #11753224 by small_snow, translation #10143768 by ddnktr
- 技能が素晴らしいですね。Your skills are wonderful!
- すごいスキルを持っていますね！You have amazing skills!
- 彼は本当に上級者ですね。He's really advanced at this.
- あなたの腕前に感銘を受けました。I'm impressed by your skills.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are discussing a new job opportunity.
- 健太 Kenta新しい仕事には、高い技術が必要ですか？Atarashii shigoto ni wa, takai gijutsu ga hitsuyou desu ka?Does the new job require high skill?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、専門的な技術が求められます。Hai, senmontekina gijutsu ga motomeraremasu.Yes, professional skill is required.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さんは、その技術を持っていますか？Misaki-san wa, sono gijutsu o motte imasu ka?Misaki, do you have that skill?
- 美咲 Misaki少し練習が必要ですが、頑張ります。Sukoshi renshuu ga hitsuyou desu ga, ganbarimasu.I need a little practice, but I will do my best.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skill” translations and entries 技術, 腕, 技, 技能, 技巧, スキル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 技, 腕, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
