Meanings of 手艺
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About 手艺
Podcast: 手艺
Podcast: 手艺
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AI study notes for 手艺
手艺 (skill/craftsmanship) vs 技艺 (artistic skill) — choose 手艺 for practical craftsmanship, while 技艺 emphasizes artistic or performance skills.
Common mistakes include confusing 手艺 with 技能 (skill), which is broader and not necessarily craft-related. Use 手艺 in informal contexts when referring to hobbies or artisanal skills, while 技能 is more formal, often used in professional settings. Be mindful of the tone; the third tone in 手 (shǒu) can be easily mispronounced.
As a Level 6 word, 手艺 connects well with other terms related to skills and professions, such as 技能 (jìnéng) and 职业 (zhíyè). Students should focus on the context of craftsmanship and its applications in various fields.
Learners often misuse 手艺 when referring to general skills, saying '他的手艺很好' when they mean '他的技能很好.' Always use 手艺 for craftsmanship and specific trades.
Pronunciation of 手艺
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Component characters
How to say craftmanship in Chinese
“craftmanship” in Chinese is手艺
手艺 refers to the skill or craftsmanship involved in making or doing something, often with hands. It encompasses various trades and artisanal practices, highlighting the quality and technique that artisans apply to their work.
When to use 手艺
Common mistakes include confusing 手艺 with 技能 (skill), which is broader and not necessarily craft-related. Use 手艺 in informal contexts when referring to hobbies or artisanal skills, while 技能 is more formal, often used in professional settings. Be mindful of the tone; the third tone in 手 (shǒu) can be easily mispronounced.
手艺 or something close to it
手艺 (skill/craftsmanship) vs 技艺 (artistic skill) — choose 手艺 for practical craftsmanship, while 技艺 emphasizes artistic or performance skills.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 手艺 when referring to general skills, saying '他的手艺很好' when they mean '他的技能很好.' Always use 手艺 for craftsmanship and specific trades.
Write 手艺
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Practice writing 手艺 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 手艺
手艺 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
张师傅的____没说的，做什么都好吃。
Master Zhang's cooking skills are impeccable — everything he makes is delicious.
Example sentences for 手艺 (6)
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Cultural Notes for 手艺
While craftsmanship is appreciated in both Chinese and Western cultures, in China, there is often a deeper reverence for the traditions and history behind the craft, whereas Western cultures may focus more on innovation and individual expression.
Frequently asked questions about 手艺
No, 手艺 specifically refers to crafts and artisanal skills, not just any type of skill.
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