====== jīngtōng: 精通 - To be proficient in, to master ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  *   **Keywords:** 精通, jingtong, master Chinese, proficient in, expert in Chinese, how to say master in Chinese, jingtong meaning, 精通 vs 会, Chinese vocabulary, HSK 5, learn Chinese, fluent in Chinese
  *   **Summary:** Learn the meaning of **精通 (jīngtōng)**, a powerful Chinese verb used to describe a deep and thorough mastery of a complex skill or subject. This page breaks down the characters 精 (essence) and 通 (through), explains its cultural importance, and provides over 10 practical example sentences. Discover the difference between **精通 (jīngtōng)**, 会 (huì), and 擅长 (shàncháng) to avoid common mistakes and sound more like a native speaker.
===== Core Meaning =====
  *   **Pinyin (with tone marks):** jīng tōng
  *   **Part of Speech:** Verb
  *   **HSK Level:** HSK 5
  *   **Concise Definition:** To have a deep and thorough proficiency in, or to master, a particular skill or subject.
  *   **In a Nutshell:** **精通 (jīngtōng)** is a strong word that goes far beyond simply "knowing" how to do something. It implies a comprehensive, profound, and almost intuitive command of a complex field, such as a language, a musical instrument, or an academic discipline. Think of it as the level of an expert or a master. If you merely "can" do something, you use `会 (huì)`. If you are "good at" it, you use `擅长 (shàncháng)`. But if you have truly mastered it inside and out, you are **精通 (jīngtōng)**.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  *   **精 (jīng):** This character's core meaning is "essence," "refined," "perfected," or "spirit." It contains the rice radical `米 (mǐ)`, suggesting the process of refining rice to get to its purest, most essential part. It's the same character in `精神 (jīngshén)`, meaning spirit or essence. In **精通**, it contributes the idea of a refined, perfected skill.
  *   **通 (tōng):** This character means "to go through," "to connect," "to open," or "to understand." It pictures an unimpeded path. It implies a complete and unobstructed understanding of a subject from beginning to end. It's the same character in `交通 (jiāotōng)`, meaning traffic or transport.
  *   When combined, **精 (jīng)** and **通 (tōng)** create a vivid image: having a **refined (精)** understanding that goes all the way **through (通)** a subject. It means you don't just know the surface; you know its essence and can navigate it completely.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
The term **精通 (jīngtōng)** reflects a deep-seated cultural value in China: the respect for dedication, depth of knowledge, and true mastery. This is closely related to the modern concept of **工匠精神 (gōngjiàng jīngshén)**, or the "artisan spirit," which praises meticulous craftsmanship and the pursuit of perfection over a long period.
To a Western learner, **精通 (jīngtōng)** might seem equivalent to "being an expert" or "mastering a skill." While similar, there's a subtle cultural nuance. In the West, particularly in American culture, there is often praise for being a "jack-of-all-trades" or having a broad skillset. **精通**, however, is firmly focused on **depth over breadth**.
Furthermore, due to the value placed on humility, it is considered boastful for a person to claim they are **精通** in a subject themselves. It is a level of praise more often bestowed upon others. Aspiring to **精通** a skill is a noble goal, but claiming you have already arrived can be seen as arrogant unless your skill is truly undeniable and recognized by others.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**精通** is most often used in formal and professional contexts.
  *   **Resumes and Job Descriptions:** It's a standard and powerful term to see on a CV (`简历 jiǎnlì`). A company might seek a candidate who is "**精通**英语" (proficient in English) or "**精通**市场营销" (an expert in marketing).
  *   **Describing High-Level Skill:** It is used to praise scholars, artists, engineers, and other professionals who have reached the pinnacle of their field. You would use it to describe a professor, a renowned musician, or a senior programmer.
  *   **Personal Goals:** As a learner, it's very natural to use **精通** to describe your ultimate goal. For example, `我的目标是精通中文` (My goal is to master Chinese).
  *   **Fields of Use:** **精通** is reserved for complex, deep subjects like:
    *   Languages (e.g., `精通德语` - proficient in German)
    *   Academic fields (e.g., `精通法律` - expert in law)
    *   Technical skills (e.g., `精通编程` - proficient in programming)
    *   Art forms (e.g., `精通书法` - master of calligraphy)
You would **not** use it for simple, everyday tasks. For instance, you wouldn't say you are `精通` cooking instant noodles.
===== Example Sentences =====
  *   **Example 1:**
    *   他在简历上写着自己**精通**英语和法语。
    *   Pīnyīn: Tā zài jiǎnlì shàng xiězhe zìjǐ **jīngtōng** Yīngyǔ hé Fǎyǔ.
    *   English: He wrote on his resume that he is proficient in English and French.
    *   Analysis: This is a classic, formal use of **精通** in a professional context. It makes a very strong claim about his language abilities.
  *   **Example 2:**
    *   我的目标是有一天能**精通**中文。
    *   Pīnyīn: Wǒ de mùbiāo shì yǒuyītiān néng **jīngtōng** Zhōngwén.
    *   English: My goal is to one day be able to master the Chinese language.
    *   Analysis: This sentence shows **精通** used as a long-term aspiration, which is a very common and appropriate way for a learner to use the word.
  *   **Example 3:**
    *   李医生不仅医术高超，而且**精通**药理学。
    *   Pīnyīn: Lǐ yīshēng bùjǐn yīshù gāochāo, érqiě **jīngtōng** yàolǐxué.
    *   English: Dr. Li not only has superb medical skills, but he is also an expert in pharmacology.
    *   Analysis: Here, **精通** is used to describe someone else's profound professional knowledge. The structure `不仅..., 而且...` (not only..., but also...) emphasizes his high level of expertise.
  *   **Example 4:**
    *   要**精通**一门乐器，需要成千上万个小时的练习。
    *   Pīnyīn: Yào **jīngtōng** yī mén yuèqì, xūyào chéngqiān-shàngwàn ge xiǎoshí de liànxí.
    *   English: To master a musical instrument requires thousands upon thousands of hours of practice.
    *   Analysis: This sentence highlights the effort and dedication implied by the word **精通**.
  *   **Example 5:**
    *   这位工程师**精通**三种不同的编程语言。
    *   Pīnyīn: Zhè wèi gōngchéngshī **jīngtōng** sān zhǒng bùtóng de biānchéng yǔyán.
    *   English: This engineer is proficient in three different programming languages.
    *   Analysis: A straightforward example of using **精通** to describe high-level technical skills.
  *   **Example 6:**
    *   我虽然会用这个软件，但远谈不上**精通**。
    *   Pīnyīn: Wǒ suīrán huì yòng zhège ruǎnjiàn, dàn yuǎn tánbushàng **jīngtōng**.
    *   English: Although I can use this software, I'm far from mastering it.
    *   Analysis: This is a perfect example of humble and accurate self-assessment. The phrase `远谈不上 (yuǎn tánbushàng)` means "far from being able to say," and is often paired with **精通**.
  *   **Example 7:**
    *   他**精通**中国古典文学，是一位真正的学者。
    *   Pīnyīn: Tā **jīngtōng** Zhōngguó gǔdiǎn wénxué, shì yī wèi zhēnzhèng de xuézhě.
    *   English: He has mastered Chinese classical literature; he is a true scholar.
    *   Analysis: This links the concept of **精通** directly to the status of being an expert or a scholar (`学者 xuézhě`).
  *   **Example 8:**
    *   我们公司正在招聘**精通**国际贸易法的人才。
    *   Pīnyīn: Wǒmen gōngsī zhèngzài zhāopìn **jīngtōng** guójì màoyì fǎ de réncái.
    *   English: Our company is currently recruiting talent proficient in international trade law.
    *   Analysis: Another typical example from a job advertisement, showing the specific, high-level knowledge required.
  *   **Example 9:**
    *   张教授**精通**明朝历史。
    *   Pīnyīn: Zhāng jiàoshòu **jīngtōng** Míng cháo lìshǐ.
    *   English: Professor Zhang is an expert in Ming Dynasty history.
    *   Analysis: A simple, clear sentence praising the deep knowledge of an academic.
  *   **Example 10:**
    *   他花了三十年时间，才**精通**了这门手艺。
    *   Pīnyīn: Tā huāle sānshí nián shíjiān, cái **jīngtōng** le zhè mén shǒuyì.
    *   English: He spent thirty years before he finally mastered this craft.
    *   Analysis: The use of `才 (cái)` emphasizes that mastering the craft was a long and difficult process, reinforcing the weight of the word **精通**.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  *   **Mistake 1: Confusing `精通 (jīngtōng)` with `会 (huì)`.**
    *   `会 (huì)` simply means "can" or "to know how to" at a basic level. It's the first step. **精通** is the final step.
    *   **Incorrect:** 我刚学了一年中文，现在我**精通**中文了。(I just studied Chinese for a year, now I have mastered it.)
    *   **Reason:** This is a huge exaggeration and sounds absurd. One year is only enough to build a foundation.
    *   **Correct:** 我刚学了一年中文，现在我**会**说一点儿了。(I just studied Chinese for a year, now I **can** speak a little.)
  *   **Mistake 2: Overusing `精通 (jīngtōng)` to describe yourself.**
    *   As mentioned in the cultural section, claiming you are **精通** can sound arrogant. It's better to be modest.
    *   **Arrogant:** 你好，我**精通**中国文化。(Hello, I have mastered Chinese culture.)
    *   **Better/More Humble:** 你好，我对中国文化很感兴趣，也**了解**一些。(Hello, I'm very interested in Chinese culture and am **familiar with** some of it.)
  *   **`精通 (jīngtōng)` vs. `擅长 (shàncháng)`**
    *   `擅长 (shàncháng)` means "to be good at" or "to excel in." It's a strong compliment and denotes a high level of skill, but **精通** is even stronger. **精通** implies a comprehensive, theoretical, and practical mastery. You can be `擅长` (good at) public speaking, but a linguist might be `精通` (have mastered) phonetics.
    *   You are more likely to be `擅长` many things, but `精通` only one or two.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[会]] (huì) - The most basic level: "to be able to," "can." The opposite of **精通** in terms of depth.
  *   [[懂]] (dǒng) - "To understand." You can `懂` (understand) a concept without being able to `精通` (master) the entire field.
  *   [[了解]] (liǎojiě) - "To find out," "to be familiar with." A more superficial level of knowledge than `懂`.
  *   [[熟悉]] (shúxī) - "To be familiar with." Implies familiarity from repeated exposure or use, stronger than `了解` but weaker than **精通**.
  *   [[擅长]] (shàncháng) - "To be good at," "to excel in." A close synonym denoting high skill, but generally less absolute than **精通**.
  *   [[掌握]] (zhǎngwò) - "To grasp," "to master." A very close synonym to **精通**. `掌握` often focuses on successfully controlling or using a skill, while **精通** can have a slightly stronger emphasis on deep, comprehensive knowledge.
  *   [[专家]] (zhuānjiā) - "Expert," "specialist." This is a noun. A `专家` is a person who is **精通** in their subject.
  *   [[高手]] (gāoshǒu) - "Master," "expert" (lit. "high hand"). An informal noun for someone with great skill, often used for games, sports, or crafts.
  *   [[熟练]] (shúliàn) - "Skilled," "practiced," "proficient." This adjective emphasizes that skill has been gained through much practice and repetition. It's a necessary component of **精通**.
  *   [[工匠精神]] (gōngjiàng jīngshén) - "The artisan spirit." The cultural ideal of pursuing perfection and dedication, which is the spirit behind achieving **精通**.