技能

• Reading: ぎのう
• Romaji: ginou
• Kanji breakdown: 技 (gi) — skill, technique; 能 (nou) — ability, talent
• Pronunciation: /gi.noː/

Meaning

Technical skill; proficiency. A practical ability acquired through training or experience.

A noun emphasising hands-on, practical abilities rather than theoretical knowledge. Distinguished from 技術 (gijutsu, technology/technique) which is broader, and 能力 (nouryoku, ability) which is more general. Key collocations include 技能試験 (ginou shiken, skills test), 技能実習 (ginou jisshuu, technical intern training), and 技能検定 (ginou kentei, proficiency certification).

Examples

1. 溶接の技能を身につけるには時間がかかる。 It takes time to acquire welding skills.
2. 技能試験に合格して資格を取得した。 I passed the skills test and obtained the certification.
3. 外国人技能実習制度について議論が続いている。 Debate continues over the foreign technical intern training program.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, education, certification

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 技 (gi, skill/technique) + 能 (nou, ability/talent). Literally 'technical ability' — practical skills developed through training and practice.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal