精通

• Pinyin: jīng tōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 精 = 米 (rice) + 青 (blue/green), refined; 通 = 辶 (walk) + 甬, to pass through/master

Meaning

To have mastered; to be proficient in; to know thoroughly.

Describes a high level of mastery or expertise in a skill, subject, or language. Stronger than 熟悉 (familiar) or 了解 (understand) — implies thorough, expert-level knowledge. Often used for languages, technical skills, or professional domains.

Examples

1. 他精通五国语言，是个语言天才。 He's fluent in five languages — a real linguistic genius.
2. 这位医生精通中西医，治疗手段多样。 This doctor is proficient in both Chinese and Western medicine, with diverse treatment methods.
3. 想精通一门技术，没有捷径，只能靠日积月累。 There's no shortcut to mastering a skill — it only comes through daily accumulation.

Usage Guide

Context: skills, languages, professional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她精通日语，可以给我们当翻译。(She's fluent in Japanese and can interpret for us.)
• 精通编程需要多年的练习。(Mastering programming takes years of practice.)

Don't Say

• 我精通做饭。(Too strong for basic life skills — use 擅长 or 会 instead)

Origin & History

Combines 精 (refined, thorough) with 通 (to understand thoroughly, to master). Together they mean to have refined, thorough understanding.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal