一技之长

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì jì zhī cháng
• English Translation: A skill, a specialized skill, a field of expertise
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（One）＋「技」（Skill）＋「之」（Of）＋「长」（Strength, specialty）
• Meaning: Refers to a superior skill, special ability, or professional competence in a particular field. It signifies the ability to make a living or be respected by others through that skill.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一技之长」 contains the following nuances:

• Specialization: Refers to a skill that has reached a certain professional level, not just a hobby or casual talent.
• Practicality: Indicates that the skill is useful and applicable in work or daily life.
• Uniqueness: Implies that the skill is superior or distinctive compared to others.
• Value: Indicates that the skill is socially recognized and considered valuable.

3. Usage

「一技之长」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating abilities: Used when assessing a person's abilities or talents.
  • Example:「他在计算机编程方面有一技之长。」
    （He has a special skill in computer programming.）
• Choosing a profession: Used to emphasize one's area of expertise when choosing a career or developing professionally.
  • Example:「我想找一份能够发挥我一技之长的工作。」
    （I want to find a job where I can utilize my specialty.）
• Self-promotion: Used when describing one's strengths and selling points.
  • Example:「我的一技之长是外语，我精通英语和日语。」
    （My specialty is foreign languages; I am proficient in English and Japanese.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他虽然学历不高，但有一技之长，所以找工作并不难。
   （Although he is not highly educated, he has a skill, so finding a job is not difficult.）
2. 在这个竞争激烈的社会，拥有一技之长是非常重要的。
   （In this competitive society, having a professional skill is very important.）
3. 她从小就喜欢绘画，经过多年的努力，终于在艺术领域有了一技之长。
   （She has loved painting since she was a child, and after years of effort, she has finally acquired a skill in the field of art.）
4. 他精通多国语言，这使他在外交领域有一技之长。
   （He is proficient in multiple languages, which gives him an advantage in the field of diplomacy.）
5. 作为一名医生，他有一技之长，能够治愈许多疑难杂症。
   （As a doctor, he has a special skill that allows him to cure many difficult diseases.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• A society that values skills: In China, honing one's '技' (skills) has long been valued. Practical skills were seen as a means to support livelihood and improve social status. The idiom '一技之长' emerged from this skill-oriented cultural background.
• Significance in modern society: With increasing specialization in modern times, deep knowledge and skills in specific fields are highly sought after. The idiom '一技之长' remains relevant and important in this contemporary context.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 独当一面 (dú dāng yí miàn): To be capable of handling a job independently in one area; to be competent.
  • 独树一帜 (dú shù yì zhì): To have a unique position or perspective; to be original.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 无一技之长 (wú yì jì zhī cháng): To have no special skills or talents.
  • 一无所长 (yì wú suǒ cháng): To have no strengths or merits at all.

6. Summary

The idiom '一技之长' succinctly expresses the value of specialized skills, which are essential for thriving in modern society. In an era of rapid change, it is important to develop and utilize your own '一技之长' to contribute to society. Learning this idiom encourages you to reflect on and further cultivate your own unique skills.