Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
一技之长 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
一技之长yíjìzhīchángproficiency in a particular field (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, rank #40352, Very Hard
一技之长yíjìzhīchángskill in a specialized area (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, rank #40352, Very Hard
yíjìzhīcháng(yi2ji4zhi1chang2) T1
  1. 1proficiency in a particular field (idiom)
  2. 2skill in a specialized area (idiom)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
一技之长(一技之長)yíjìzhīcháng(yi2ji4zhi1chang2)

一技之长 is an idiom that refers to a person's proficiency or specialized skill in a particular field. It emphasizes the value of having a unique technical ability that sets someone apart in a competitive environment, often implying that this skill can lead to job opportunities or personal success.

Frequency#40352DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, having a specialized skill (一技之长) is highly valued, especially in traditional crafts and professions. This idiom reflects the cultural appreciation for mastery and expertise, often seen in fields like calligraphy or cooking.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person with one special tool (一技) in their toolbox that they excel at using (之长). This unique tool represents their specialized skill, allowing them to shine in their profession, much like a craftsman known for one exceptional creation.

Meanings of 一技之长

yíjìzhīcháng(yi2ji4zhi1chang2)
1proficiency in a particular field (idiom)
2skill in a specialized area (idiom)
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 一技之长

一技之长Simplified
一技之長Traditional
Strokes
Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 一技之长

JasonAmy

Podcast: 一技之长

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 一技之长

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a person with one special tool (一技) in their toolbox that they excel at using (之长). This unique tool represents their specialized skill, allowing them to shine in their profession, much like a craftsman known for one exceptional creation.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts to highlight someone's expertise. A common mistake is to use it to describe general skills instead of a specific proficiency; ensure you refer to a particular area of expertise.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom does not appear in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to themes of skills and professions found in HSK Level 4 and above. Focus on understanding the individual characters and their meanings to better grasp the idiom as a whole.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, having a specialized skill (一技之长) is highly valued, especially in traditional crafts and professions. This idiom reflects the cultural appreciation for mastery and expertise, often seen in fields like calligraphy or cooking.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 一技之长 with general skill descriptions, such as saying 'I have many skills' instead of 'I have a specific skill.' Correctly use it in contexts like 'My one skill is cooking.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 一技之长

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 一技之长 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Idiom Spotlight: 一技之长

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:one skill of long

Component Characters

one
HSK 11 strokes
View full entry
skill
7 strokes
View full entry
zhī(possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de])
HSK 43 strokes丿
View full entry
chángchief
HSK 24 strokes
View full entry

Write 一技之长

Practice writing 一技之长 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Cultural Notes for 一技之长

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, having a specialized skill (一技之长) is highly valued, especially in traditional crafts and professions. This idiom reflects the cultural appreciation for mastery and expertise, often seen in fields like calligraphy or cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions about 一技之长

No, this idiom should only be used to refer to a specific skill or expertise.