Translation guide
The English word "technique" refers to a way of doing something, often involving skill or a specific method. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 技術 (ぎじゅつ), but other words like テクニック, 技法, and 手法 are used depending on context. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression for different meanings of "technique."
What is the most common word for 'technique'?
Use this for general skills and methods.
How do you say 'technique' in sports?
Often used alongside 技術.
How do you say 'artistic technique'?
Specifically for arts and crafts.
Referring to a practical skill, method, or way of doing something, especially one that requires training or experience.
The most common and broad term for 'technique' or 'technology'. It covers both practical skills and technical methods. Used in everyday and formal contexts.
He has great cooking technique.
Loanword from English, often used for specific, practical techniques, especially in sports, arts, or business. Slightly more casual than 技術.
Refers to artistic or craft techniques, such as painting, pottery, or music. More formal and often used in artistic contexts.
Means 'method' or 'technique', often used in academic, business, or systematic contexts. Emphasizes the procedural aspect.
Referring to a particular physical or performance skill, such as in sports, dance, or martial arts.
Still the most common term, but often combined with the specific domain, e.g., サッカーの技術 (soccer technique).
Referring to a technique used in art, music, writing, or other creative fields.
The standard term for artistic techniques. Used in fine arts, crafts, and sometimes music.
Referring to a technique used in science, engineering, or technology.
Broadly used for technology and technical methods. In scientific contexts, it can mean 'technique' as a practical application of knowledge.
技術 is the broadest and safest choice for 'technique' or 'technology'. テクニック is a loanword often used for specific, practical skills, especially in sports or casual contexts. 技法 is for artistic or craft techniques. 手法 is for systematic methods, often in academic or business settings.
In some contexts, English uses 'technique' where Japanese might use a more specific word or phrase. For example, 'breathing technique' is often 呼吸法 (こきゅうほう) rather than 呼吸の技術. Consider the specific domain.
She improved her piano technique.
技術 is natural here; テクニック also possible.
Learning new techniques is fun.
If you use this technique, you can run faster.
この絵画技法は江戸時代に発展した。
This painting technique developed in the Edo period.
この研究では新しい分析手法を用いた。
This research used a new analytical technique.
His dribbling technique is amazing.
Very common in sports contexts, often interchangeable with 技術 but sounds more modern and specific.
That player has good technique.
Refers to a specific technique or move, especially in martial arts, wrestling, or video games. Can also mean 'trick' or 'skill'.
He learned a new technique (move).
This composer has a unique compositional technique.
Also used in artistic contexts, especially in modern or popular arts like photography or digital art.
Please teach me the technique for this photo.
Used when emphasizing the method or approach in creative work, often in a more analytical sense.
His novel's technique is unique.
This experimental technique is still new.
Common in research papers and formal descriptions of methods. Emphasizes the procedural steps.
This analytical technique is widely used.
Sometimes used in lab or practical settings, but less formal than 手法.
We extract DNA using this technique.
この絵画技法は難しい。
This painting technique is difficult.
技法 is the best fit for fine arts.
We need a new marketing technique.
手法 is common in business contexts.