技术
jìshù
The English phrase 'technique' is translated into Chinese as 技术 (jìshù).
技术 is used to describe a method of achieving something. While it can mean 'technique' in a general sense, it is more frequently used to refer to 'technology' or 'technical skill' in a professional or industrial context.
Meaning: method of achieving something (noun)
Which one should you use?
There are important nuances between different terms for technique. Use 技术 for general technique or technical/industrial skills. If you are referring to a specific, clever or artistic way of doing something (like a musical technique or a way of handling a situation), 技巧 is often a more precise choice than 技术. Additionally, 技术 can also be translated as 'technology'.
How do you pronounce it?
jìshù
Did you know?
- The character 术 in 技术 originally referred to the 'arts' of divination and mysticism in ancient China before it evolved to mean 'method' or 'skill'.
- The character 技 contains the radical for 'hand' 手, visually reinforcing that 'technique' in Chinese is historically rooted in manual dexterity.
- While 'technique' in English can be very abstract, a Chinese speaker might use the term 手段 to describe a 'technique' when they mean a 'means' or a 'tactic', often with a slightly negative or manipulative connotation.
Examples in context
- 他有很多绘画的技巧。He has a lot of painting techniques.
- 这种技能需要长时间的练习。This skill requires a long time of practice.
- 他在书法上有自己独特的技法。He has his unique technique in calligraphy.
- 这位大厨的烹饪技艺非常出众。This chef's culinary technique is exceptional.
- 他的武术手法令人叹为观止。His martial arts technique is breathtaking.
- 这位舞蹈演员在舞台上展示出了她的演技和舞蹈本领。This dancer displayed her acting skills and dance techniques on stage.
- 高技术High-tech/high technique
- 他的绘画技术很好。Tā de huìhuà jìshù hěn hǎo.His painting technique is very good.
- 我们需要学习新的技术。Wǒmen xūyào xuéxí xīn de jìshù.We need to learn new techniques.
- 这种技术非常先进。Zhè zhǒng jìshù fēicháng xiānjìn.This technique is very advanced.
Example conversation
At a workplace, discussing a new production method.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这个技术难吗？Zhège jìshù nán ma?Is this technique difficult?
- 志强 Zhiqiang很有挑战性，但很有用。Hěn yǒu tiǎozhàn xìng, dàn hěn yǒuyòng.It is challenging, but very useful.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，你会教我吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ huì jiāo wǒ ma?Zhiqiang, will you teach me?
- 志强 Zhiqiang没问题，我会教你的。Méi wèntí, wǒ huì jiāo nǐ de.No problem, I will teach you.
