技能

• Pinyin: jì néng
• Hanzi breakdown: 技 = 扌(hand) + 支 (branch), meaning skill with hands; 能 = 厶 + 月 + 匕匕, originally a bear, meaning ability

Meaning

Skill; technique. A learned ability to perform a task competently.

Refers to practical abilities acquired through training or experience. Used in professional, educational, and gaming contexts. Distinguished from 技术 (technology/technique) by focusing on personal ability rather than systematic methods.

Examples

1. 在职场上，沟通技能和专业知识同样重要。 In the workplace, communication skills are just as important as professional knowledge.
2. 她通过不断练习，掌握了多种设计软件的操作技能。 Through continuous practice, she mastered the operational skills of various design software.
3. 职业培训可以帮助失业者学习新的工作技能。 Vocational training can help unemployed people learn new job skills.

Usage Guide

Context: work, education, gaming, training

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 你有什么特别的技能吗？(Do you have any special skills?)
• 这份工作需要很强的技能。(This job requires strong skills.)

Don't Say

• 他有走路的技能 (Walking is a basic ability, not a skill — 技能 implies learned, specialized abilities)

Origin & History

Compound of 技 (skill, craft) + 能 (ability, can), meaning skilled ability.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal