Translation and Meaning of: 技能 - ginou

The Japanese word 技能 [ぎのう] is a fascinating term that often appears in professional, educational, and even everyday contexts. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanjis to how this word is culturally perceived in Japan.

In addition to uncovering the literal meaning of 技能, we will also explore practical tips for memorizing it and situations where it is commonly used. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo offers detailed explanations and real use examples. Shall we begin?

The meaning and composition of 技能

技能 is composed of two kanji: 技 (technique, skill) and 能 (ability, talent). Together, they form the idea of "technical skill" or "professional competence." Unlike words such as 才能 (innate talent), 技能 is more connected to skills acquired through study and practice, especially in technical or specialized areas.

In Japan, this term is often used in contexts such as professional certifications (技能検定) or to describe specific abilities of a worker. For example, a carpenter or a chef has distinct 技能, developed over years of experience. This nuance is important to understand how the word is perceived in daily life.

Origin and Evolution of the term

The combination of these kanjis is not recent. Historical records show that 技能 was already used during the Edo period (1603-1868), mainly in artisans' manuals and trade schools. At that time, the concept of mastering a specific technique was highly valued, and this word reflected the prestige associated with professional mastery.

With the industrialization of Japan in the 20th century, 技能 gained even more relevance. The term began to be used in technical training and public policies for workforce qualification. To this day, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare uses 技能 in official programs, demonstrating how the word remains deeply rooted in the country's labor culture.

Contemporary usage and memorization tips

Nowadays, 技能 appears frequently in job advertisements, course descriptions, and even in mangas that depict professions. A tip for memorizing this word is to associate the first kanji (技) with "technique" and the second (能) with "ability." Together, they create a clear mental image of the meaning.

Another strategy is to create flashcards with practical examples, such as "大工の技能" (carpenter skills) or "料理の技能" (cooking skills). This type of contextual association helps to reinforce not only the isolated word but also its real usage. The pronunciation "ginou" also follows a common pattern in terms made up of two kanji, which can make learning easier.

Cultural context and social importance

In Japan, the development of 技能 is seen as an ongoing journey. Concepts such as "shokunin" (master craftsman) are deeply connected to the idea of constantly improving one's technical skills. This mindset explains why the word appears so frequently in discussions about vocational education and work ethic.

It is worth noting that 技能 is not limited to manual professions. Today, the term is also used in technological and creative fields. A programmer can have 技能 in certain programming languages, just as a designer masters specific techniques. This adaptation of the word shows how the Japanese language absorbs new realities without losing its cultural essence.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

技術 (Gijutsu) - Technique or applied technology, practical skills in a specific field.
能力 (Nōryoku) - General ability or skill, potential to perform tasks or activities.
スキル (Sukiru) - Specific skill, often referred to in professional or learning contexts.