一技之长

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

Pinyin: yī jì zhī cháng
English Translation: A specialized skill (to make a living)
Idiom Composition: 「一」（One or a single）＋「技」（Skill, technique, or craft）＋「之」（A classical particle indicating possession (of)）＋「长」（Strength, forte, or specialty）
Meaning: Possessing at least one specialized skill or technical expertise that is superior to others. It typically refers to a practical, professional skill used to earn a living or gain social recognition, rather than a mere hobby.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一技之长」 contains the following nuances:

Focus on Practicality: While 长 (cháng) can mean any strength, in this idiom it specifically refers to a 技 (jì) or 'skill.' It targets abilities that are applicable to professional life rather than personality traits like kindness.
Survival Strategy: The idiom carries a nuance of being a 'weapon' for survival. It suggests that a single, solid skill is enough to ensure one's place in the world.
Specialization: It emphasizes that one does not need to be multi-talented; having 'at least one' (一) area of excellence is the key to stability.

3. Usage

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

Career & Employment: Most frequently used when discussing job hunting or career development, highlighting the importance of concrete skills over general academic background.
- Example:「在这个竞争激烈的社会，拥有一技之长是安身立命的根本。」
  （In this competitive society, having a specialized skill is the foundation for making a living.)
Education & Self-Improvement: Used to encourage students or children to master a specific field for their future security.
- Example:「父母希望孩子能学点手艺，将来好有一技之长。」
  （Parents hope their children can learn a craft so they will have a professional edge in the future.)
Humility & Self-Introduction: Can be used to modestly describe one's own abilities, implying 'I may not be a genius, but I have this one thing I am good at.'
- Example:「我虽然学历不高，但凭着修车的一技之长，生活过得还算充实。」
  （Although I don't have a high level of education, I live a fulfilling life thanks to my specialty in car repair.)

Additional Examples:

现在的公司更看重求职者是否有一技之长，而不是空洞的理论知识。
（Modern companies value whether a job seeker has practical skills rather than just empty theoretical knowledge.）
只要你有一技之长，就不怕找不到工作。
（As long as you have a trade to rely on, you don't have to worry about finding a job.）
他利用自己编程的一技之长，开发了一款受欢迎的手机应用。
（He used his expertise in programming to develop a popular mobile application.）
与其样样通样样松，不如专攻一项，练就一技之长。
（Instead of being a jack-of-all-trades but master of none, it is better to specialize in one area and master a specific skill.）
对于退伍军人，政府提供了培训，帮助他们掌握一技之长。
（The government provides training for veterans to help them acquire marketable skills.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

Historical Context: While the phrase appears in classical literature such as Flowers in the Mirror (镜花缘), its modern usage is heavily tied to the meritocratic job market and the concept of 'vocational survival.'
Market Value: The 'skill' mentioned can range from traditional craftsmanship to modern coding or translation, but the common thread is that it must have 'market value' or be useful to others.
Comparison with Similar Terms: Unlike 多才多艺 (duō cái duō yì), which praises someone for being multi-talented or artistic, 一技之长 (yī jì zhī cháng) emphasizes the practical reliability of having a single, solid professional foundation.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

Similar Idioms:
- 一艺之长 (yī yì zhī cháng): Almost synonymous; refers to having a specialty in a particular art or craft.
- 独当一面 (dú dāng yí miàn): Being capable of taking charge of a specific area or task independently.
- 才华横溢 (cái huá héng yì): Having outstanding talent and brilliance.link
Opposite Idioms:
- 一无所长 (yī wú suǒ cháng): Having no special skills or strengths whatsoever.
- 一事无成 (yī shì wú chéng): To have accomplished nothing; a total failure in one's endeavors.link
- 一无是处 (yī wú shì chù): To be good for nothing; to be utterly useless.link
- 不学无术 (bù xué wú shù): Having neither learning nor skill.link

6. Summary

一技之长 (yī jì zhī cháng) describes having a specific professional edge or 'trade.' In modern society, it is frequently used in the context of employment and education to emphasize the importance of having a marketable skill that ensures financial stability and career success. It is similar to the English concept of 'having a trade' or 'possessing a professional forte.'