====== jìshù: 技术 - Technology, Skill, Technique ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** jishu, 技术, Chinese for technology, what does jishu mean, Chinese skill, technique in Chinese, 高科技, 信息技术, Chinese tech industry, tech in China, HSK 3 vocabulary
  * **Summary:** Discover the meaning of **技术 (jìshù)**, the essential Chinese word for "technology." This comprehensive guide explains how **jìshù** means more than just computers and gadgets; it also covers "skill" and "technique," applying to everything from China's high-tech ambitions to an individual's driving ability. Learn how to use **jìshù** correctly to discuss the Chinese tech industry, personal abilities, and the cultural importance of technical know-how in modern China.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jìshù
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 3
  * **Concise Definition:** Technology, technique, or a specialized skill.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **技术 (jìshù)** is the go-to Chinese word for "technology" in the modern sense—think information technology, AI, and engineering. However, its meaning is broader and more grounded than the English word. It fundamentally refers to a systematic method or a specific skill used to accomplish a task. This means you can use **jìshù** to talk about a company's advanced production **technology** as well as a chef's cooking **technique** or a mechanic's repair **skills**. The common thread is a practical, applied know-how.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **技 (jì):** This character means "skill" or "ability." It's composed of the hand radical `扌(shǒu)`, which signifies an action done with the hands, and `支 (zhī)`, which provides the sound. `技` points to a tangible, hands-on ability or craft.
  * **术 (shù):** This character means "method," "technique," or "art" (as in "the art of war"). It implies a systematic, learned approach or a specialized body of knowledge.
  * **Combined Meaning:** When you combine the "hand-skill" of `技` with the "systematic method" of `术`, you get **技术 (jìshù)**. This beautifully captures the essence of the word: a practical skill that is based on a systematic method. It perfectly describes both a craftsman's technique and a scientist's technological application.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In modern China, **技术 (jìshù)** is a word loaded with national significance. For decades, China's narrative has been one of catching up with and surpassing the West, and developing advanced **技术** is at the heart of this ambition. Government slogans like "科技兴国" (kējì xīngguó) - "revitalize the nation through science and technology" - are ubiquitous. This makes **技术** a keyword associated with progress, modernity, and national pride.
Let's compare **技术 (jìshù)** to the English word "technology."
  *   In the West, "technology" can sometimes feel abstract or futuristic, referring to the entire digital ecosystem.
  *   **技术 (jìshù)**, while used for the same things, feels more concrete and practical. Because it also means "skill," it's always tied to the idea of *application* and *competence*. You can have "good **技术**" (好技术 hǎo jìshù) or "bad **技术**" (技术不好 jìshù bù hǎo) in driving, programming, or even surgery. You wouldn't say "my driving technology is bad" in English; you'd say "my driving skill/technique is bad."
This subtle difference highlights a pragmatic cultural value: **技术** is not just an abstract concept to be discussed, but a practical tool to be mastered and applied for tangible results, whether for personal improvement or national development.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**技术** is an extremely common and versatile word used in many contexts.
=== In Science, IT, and Industry ===
This is its most frequent usage, directly translating to "technology."
  * **高技术 (gāo jìshù):** High-tech
  * **信息技术 (xìnxī jìshù):** Information Technology (IT)
  * **核心技术 (héxīn jìshù):** Core technology
  * **生物技术 (shēngwù jìshù):** Biotechnology
=== For Personal and Professional Skills ===
It describes the proficiency of a person in a specific, often technical, craft or trade.
  * **驾驶技术 (jiàshǐ jìshù):** Driving skill/technique
  * **烹饪技术 (pēngrèn jìshù):** Cooking technique
  * **摄影技术 (shèyǐng jìshù):** Photography technique
  * **他的技术很好 (tā de jìshù hěn hǎo):** His skill is very good.
The connotation is almost always neutral or positive. Praising someone's **技术** is a common and sincere compliment.
===== Example Sentences =====
**Example 1:**
中国的**技术**发展得非常快。
Pinyin: Zhōngguó de **jìshù** fāzhǎn de fēicháng kuài.
English: China's technology is developing very fast.
Analysis: A common, general statement about technology at the national level.
**Example 2:**
我需要提高我的电脑**技术**。
Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào tígāo wǒ de diànnǎo **jìshù**.
English: I need to improve my computer skills.
Analysis: Here, **技术** refers to a personal, practical skill set related to computers.
**Example 3:**
这位司机的驾驶**技术**真棒！
Pinyin: Zhè wèi sījī de jiàshǐ **jìshù** zhēn bàng!
English: This driver's driving skill is awesome!
Analysis: A perfect example of **技术** being used for a non-digital, everyday skill. "Skill" or "technique" is a better translation than "technology" here.
**Example 4:**
我们公司引进了国外先进的生产**技术**。
Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī yǐnjìnle guówài xiānjìn de shēngchǎn **jìshù**.
English: Our company has imported advanced production technology from abroad.
Analysis: A formal, business context referring to industrial technology.
**Example 5:**
信息**技术**改变了我们的生活方式。
Pinyin: Xìnxī **jìshù** gǎibiànle wǒmen de shēnghuó fāngshì.
English: Information technology has changed our way of life.
Analysis: Using the common compound noun **信息技术 (xìnxī jìshù)** for IT.
**Example 6:**
学习一门**技术**对找工作很有帮助。
Pinyin: Xuéxí yī mén **jìshù** duì zhǎo gōngzuò hěn yǒu bāngzhù.
English: Learning a technical skill is very helpful for finding a job.
Analysis: This highlights the "vocational skill" aspect of **技术**. Note the measure word for skills, `门 (mén)`.
**Example 7:**
这个手术对医生的**技术**要求很高。
Pinyin: Zhège shǒushù duì yīshēng de **jìshù** yāoqiú hěn gāo.
English: This surgery has high requirements for the doctor's technical skill.
Analysis: Shows **技术** in a highly professional and specialized context.
**Example 8:**
华为在5G**技术**方面处于领先地位。
Pinyin: Huáwéi zài wǔ G **jìshù** fāngmiàn chǔyú lǐngxiān dìwèi.
English: Huawei is in a leading position in terms of 5G technology.
Analysis: A typical sentence you might read in a news article about the tech industry.
**Example 9:**
虽然他很有天分，但是**技术**还需要磨练。
Pinyin: Suīrán tā hěn yǒu tiānfèn, dànshì **jìshù** hái xūyào móliàn.
English: Although he is very talented, his technique still needs polishing.
Analysis: This shows **技术** as something that can be refined and improved through practice, separate from innate talent (`天分 tiānfèn`).
**Example 10:**
这项新**技术**能把生产效率提高一倍。
Pinyin: Zhè xiàng xīn **jìshù** néng bǎ shēngchǎn xiàolǜ tígāo yī bèi.
English: This new technology can double production efficiency.
Analysis: Demonstrates the practical, result-oriented nature of **技术**. `项 (xiàng)` is a common measure word for technologies and projects.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
A common pitfall for learners is not understanding the subtle differences between **技术**, **科技**, and **技巧**.
  *   **技术 (jìshù) vs. 科技 (kējì):**
    *   **技术 (jìshù)** is the specific technology, technique, or skill itself. It's the "tech."
    *   **科技 (kējì)** is an abbreviation for `科学技术 (kēxué jìshù)`, meaning "Science and Technology." It refers to the broader, often academic or governmental, field.
    *   **Example:** You study the field of **科技 (kējì)** at a university to learn a specific **技术 (jìshù)** like programming. A government invests in **科技 (kējì)** to develop new **技术 (jìshù)**.
  *   **技术 (jìshù) vs. 技巧 (jìqiǎo):**
    *   **技术 (jìshù)** usually implies a systematic, complex, and often technical skill (e.g., engineering, surgery, programming).
    *   **技巧 (jìqiǎo)** refers to a "knack," "trick," or a clever, artful maneuver. It's more about finesse and cleverness than systematic knowledge.
    *   **Incorrect:** 他画画的**技术**很好。 (Tā huàhuà de jìshù hěn hǎo.) - While not strictly wrong, it sounds a bit clunky.
    *   **Correct:** 他画画的**技巧**很好。 (Tā huàhuà de jìqiǎo hěn hǎo.) - "His painting technique/skill is very good." This is more natural as painting involves artistry and finesse.
    *   **Correct Usage of 技术:** 修复这幅古画的**技术**非常复杂。(Xiūfù zhè fú gǔhuà de **jìshù** fēicháng fùzá.) - "The technology/technique used to restore this ancient painting is very complex." Here, `技术` correctly refers to the scientific and chemical processes involved.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[科技]] (kējì) - The broader field of "Science and Technology."
  *   [[技能]] (jìnéng) - A skill, often a vocational one that can be learned and certified (e.g., welding, accounting). More about a person's capability.
  *   [[技巧]] (jìqiǎo) - A knack, clever trick, or artful skill, emphasizing finesse.
  *   [[科学]] (kēxué) - Science. The theoretical foundation upon which much **技术** is built.
  *   [[高科技]] (gāo kējì) - High-tech. Often used as an adjective for companies or products.
  *   [[工程师]] (gōngchéngshī) - Engineer. A professional who designs, builds, and maintains things using **技术**.
  *   [[创新]] (chuàngxīn) - Innovation. The process of creating new methods or ideas, often through new **技术**.
  *   [[工艺]] (gōngyì) - Craftsmanship; process technology. Focuses on the specific methods and artistry in making something (e.g., the `工艺` of making porcelain).
  *   [[方法]] (fāngfǎ) - Method; way. A general-purpose word for how to do something; **技术** is a type of specialized `方法`.
  *   [[能力]] (nénglì) - Ability; capability. A very broad term for what someone can do; **技术** is a specific type of `能力`.