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術 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
術shùskill, art; method, technique; trickzg, 11 strokes, radical 行
shù(shu4)shu T4
  1. 1skill, art; method, technique; trick
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March 24, 2026

術shù(shu4)

The character 術 (shù) refers to a skill, art, method, or technique. It is commonly used in contexts involving specialized abilities, such as martial arts or traditional crafts, as well as in discussions about strategies and tricks. The nuance often implies a certain level of mastery or expertise in a particular area.

Strokes11Radical行
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 術 is often associated with traditional arts, such as calligraphy, martial arts, and medicine, where mastery is highly respected and viewed as a lifelong pursuit. The reverence for skill and technique reflects the value placed on education and practice in Chinese society.

Memory tip

Imagine a skilled artist using a brush with the character 術 (shù) written on it. The radical 衤 (clothing) suggests that this skill is often related to craftsmanship, while the shape of the character resembles tools used to create art. Think of a magician performing tricks to remember that it can also mean a 'trick' or clever method.

Meanings of 術

shù(shu4)
1skill, art; method, technique; trick
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 術 means.

About 術

術Simplified
11Strokes
行Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 術

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Podcast: 術

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AI Study Notes for 術

Quick Contrast

技 (jì) - use 術 (shù) when emphasizing a method or technique, while 技 (jì) often focuses on skill or ability in a broader sense.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 術 (shù) with 技术 (jìshù), which specifically means 'technology' or 'technique.' 術 is more about the art and skill aspect. It is used in both formal and informal settings, but be mindful of context when discussing tricks or methods, as it can have a playful connotation.

HSK Study Tips

Although 術 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well to words at HSK Level 4 and above that discuss skills and techniques, such as 技能 (jìnéng - skill) and 方法 (fāngfǎ - method). Focus on recognizing its use in compound words and idiomatic expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 術 in contexts where 技能 (jìnéng - skill) would be more appropriate, such as saying '我有很多術' instead of '我有很多技能' (I have many skills). Remember that 術 emphasizes art or method rather than just ability.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 術

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Etymology of 術

Formation typeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Explanation

Simplified form of 術. Phonosemantic compound. 行 represents the meaning and 朮 represents the sound. The traditional component 行 was removed for simplification.

Memory hint

Professional 行 skills 术; 术 also provides the pronunciation

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

What kind of character is 術?

Decomposition of 術

IDS Structure⿻行术
術Full character
=
行hang2
outer
术shu4
inner
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 術?

How to say skill, art; method, technique; trick in Chinese

“skill, art; method, technique; trick” in Chinese is術shù

The character 術 (shù) refers to a skill, art, method, or technique. It is commonly used in contexts involving specialized abilities, such as martial arts or traditional crafts, as well as in discussions about strategies and tricks. The nuance often implies a certain level of mastery or expertise in a particular area.

When to use 術

Learners often confuse 術 (shù) with 技术 (jìshù), which specifically means 'technology' or 'technique.' 術 is more about the art and skill aspect. It is used in both formal and informal settings, but be mindful of context when discussing tricks or methods, as it can have a playful connotation.

術 or something close to it

技 (jì) - use 術 (shù) when emphasizing a method or technique, while 技 (jì) often focuses on skill or ability in a broader sense.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 術 in contexts where 技能 (jìnéng - skill) would be more appropriate, such as saying '我有很多術' instead of '我有很多技能' (I have many skills). Remember that 術 emphasizes art or method rather than just ability.

Write 術

術

Practice writing 術 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Word Family of 術

Words containing this character20
技术jìshùtechnology技術
手术shǒushùsurgery手術
艺术yìshùart藝術
术shùmethod術
艺术家artist藝術家
战术zhànshùtactics戰術
魔术móshùmagic魔術
学术xuéshùlearning學術
艺术品art piece藝術品
魔术师magician魔術師
科学技术science and technology科學技術
美术měishùart美術
武术wǔshùself-defense武術
术语term術語
巫术witchcraft巫術
技术人员technical staff技術人員
新技术new technology新技術
信息技术IT信息技術
心术designs心術
技术员technician技術員
Exercise 1 of 4

Words with 術

What does 技术 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 術

Yes, but it's more commonly found in formal contexts or specific fields like martial arts, medicine, and traditional crafts.

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