技术 (jì shù) is a compound noun meaning 'technology' or 'technique', depending on context. The first character 技 (jì) means 'skill' or 'craft', and the second 术 (shù) means 'art', 'method', or 'technique'. Together, they denote systematic knowledge or practical ability applied to achieve a specific purpose — whether in engineering, medicine, manufacturing, or daily tasks. In modern usage, it often refers to advanced tools and systems (e.g., information technology), but it can also describe a person’s proficiency (e.g., surgical technique).

This word is neutral in register and widely used across formal and informal settings. It frequently appears in compound terms like 科学技术 (kēxué jìshù, 'science and technology'), 信息技术 (xìnxī jìshù, 'information technology'), or 医疗技术 (yīliáo jìshù, 'medical technology'). Unlike English 'technology', which leans toward hardware/systems, 技术 may emphasize know-how or methodology — so it's often paired with verbs like 掌握 (zhǎngwò, 'to master') or 提高 (tígāo, 'to improve').