技術
ぎじゅつ
gijutsu
= technology; technical skill; technique; craftsmanship
技術 (gijutsu) captures something deeper than the English word “technology” alone — it refers to the refined ability born from both human intellect and hands-on mastery. Whether describing cutting-edge robotics or the centuries-old craft of a sword smith, gijutsu is the word Japanese speakers reach for when skill and method come together into something purposeful.
技術 primarily means technology or technical skill — the systematic knowledge and methods behind an ability. It appears in three main contexts: ① as a general term for technology or technique (e.g., 最新の技術 — the latest technology), ② to describe someone’s level of skill (e.g., 技術が高い — to have high technical ability), and ③ in the compound 科学技術 (kagaku-gijutsu), meaning science and technology, frequently used in academic and governmental contexts.
A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 技術 (gijutsu) and 技能 (ginou). Both translate loosely as “skill,” but 技術 carries the broader meaning — it includes theory, methodology, and systematic knowledge. 技能, by contrast, focuses on hands-on proficiency and practical execution. A carpenter’s ability to read architectural blueprints is 技術; the precise movement of their chisel is 技能. In everyday conversation, 技術 is the more common and versatile of the two.
When describing someone’s skill level, 技術が高い (gijutsu ga takai — high technical ability) and 優れた技術 (sugureta gijutsu — excellent technique) are natural collocations. Avoid saying 技術が強い (gijutsu ga tsuyoi), which sounds unnatural — 高い and 優れた are the standard choices. Also note that 技術 can modify nouns directly: 技術者 (gijutsu-sha) means engineer or technician, and 技術力 (gijutsuryoku) refers to an organization’s overall technical capability. This compound-forming flexibility makes 技術 an especially productive word to know at the N3 level and beyond.
技術 is formed from two kanji with complementary meanings. 技 (waza / gi) means skill or technique — it appears in words like 技能 (ginou, practical skill) and 競技 (kyougi, competition). 術 (jutsu) means method, art, or means — seen in 手術 (shujutsu, surgery) and 魔術 (majutsu, magic). Together, 技＋術 literally conveys “the method of wielding skill” — not just the ability itself, but the structured approach behind it.
Everyday use
毎日練習することで、サッカーの技術が上達した。
Mainichi renshuu suru koto de, sakkaa no gijutsu ga joutatsu shita.
By practicing every day, my soccer technique improved.
Casual / Social Media
この新しいカメラ、技術がすごい。夜景がこんなにきれいに撮れるなんて。
Kono atarashii kamera, gijutsu ga sugoi. Yakei ga konna ni kirei ni toreru nante.
The technology in this new camera is incredible — I can’t believe how clearly it shoots night scenes.
Formal / Cultural context
日本の製造業は、長年培った技術力で世界市場をリードしてきた。
Nihon no seizougyou wa, naganen tsuchikatta gijutsuryoku de sekai shijou wo riido shite kita.
Japan’s manufacturing industry has led global markets on the strength of technical expertise built up over many years.
Japan’s identity as a 技術大国 (gijutsu taikoku — technological superpower) was forged in the postwar decades through companies like Toyota, Sony, and Panasonic. The precision of Japanese manufacturing — from automotive engineering to consumer electronics — turned 技術 into a national brand. The concept of kaizen (continuous improvement) is inseparable from this reputation: 技術 is not seen as a fixed achievement but as something constantly refined through discipline and iteration.
Beyond industry, 技術 carries deep cultural weight in Japan’s tradition of 職人技 (shokunin waza — artisan craftsmanship). Lacquerware (漆器, shikki), Japanese sword forging (刀鍛冶, katanakaji), and Nishijin silk weaving are all fields where 技術 is passed down through apprenticeship over years or even decades. The Japanese government designates master practitioners as 人間国宝 (ningen kokuhou — Living National Treasures), a recognition that certain 技術 are cultural heritage as much as they are practical skill.