How to Write 技 (jì) — Meaning “skill; technique”

Picture a skilled worker using their hand (扌) to hold a branch (支) while carving it into a tool. This image of hand and branch together represents the technique needed to create something useful.

Pay attention to the proportions: the left radical 扌 should be narrow and slightly taller, while the right part 支 is wider. A common mistake is writing the top of 支 incorrectly as a simple cross; remember it has two horizontal strokes (first short, second longer) with a vertical line crossing both.

技 (jì) means skill or technique, while 扑 (pū) means to pounce or rush at. Visually, 技 has the complex right component 支 (seven strokes total), whereas 扑 has the simple 卜 (five strokes total). Their meanings are unrelated despite sharing the hand radical.

技 appears in everyday words like 技术 (technology) and 技能 (ability). It is used when talking about practical skills, crafts, and technical expertise, both in professional and casual contexts. The character reflects the Chinese value of mastering a learned technique through practice.

Common words containing 技 include: 技术 (jì shù) — technology; technique; skill; 技能 (jì néng) — skill; ability; 技巧 (jì qiǎo) — skill; technique; craftsmanship.