绝招

• Pinyin: jué zhāo
• Hanzi breakdown: 绝 = 纟 (silk) + 色 (colour) — supreme, matchless; 招 = 扌 (hand) + 召 (summon) — move, technique

Meaning

Killer move; ultimate technique; trump card; secret weapon.

Refers to a unique, powerful, or decisive skill or technique that gives someone a decisive advantage. Originally from martial arts (the finishing move), now used broadly for any special ability, clever trick, or secret method that ensures success. Can describe cooking secrets, business strategies, negotiation tactics, or any distinctive capability.

Examples

1. 这位川菜大厨有一道绝招，就是他独创的秘制辣椒油配方。 This Sichuan chef has one killer move — his own secret chilli oil recipe.
2. 谈判陷入僵局时，他亮出了自己的绝招——一份对方无法拒绝的合作方案。 When negotiations reached a deadlock, he revealed his trump card — a partnership proposal the other side couldn't refuse.
3. 每个成功的销售员都有自己的绝招，能让客户心甘情愿地掏钱。 Every successful salesperson has their own secret technique that makes customers willingly open their wallets.

Usage Guide

Context: competition, business, cooking, everyday

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 你有什么绝招能让孩子乖乖吃蔬菜？(What's your secret trick for getting kids to eat their vegetables?)
• 他的绝招就是永远比竞争对手早一步行动。(His trump card is always acting one step ahead of the competition.)

Don't Say

• 这是我的绝招，但其实很普通。(Don't use 绝招 for ordinary methods — the word implies something exceptional or unique)

Origin & History

绝 (supreme, matchless, to cut off) + 招 (move, technique, trick). A matchless technique that decisively ends a contest — from martial arts terminology.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal