技师 (jì shī) is a compound noun meaning 'technician' or 'skilled worker' — someone trained to operate, maintain, or repair specialized equipment or systems. The first character 技 (jì) means 'skill', 'technique', or 'craft', while 师 (shī) means 'master', 'expert', or 'professional teacher', often used in occupational titles like 教师 (jiào shī, 'teacher') or 厨师 (chú shī, 'chef'). Together, they denote a person whose expertise lies in applied technical knowledge rather than theoretical research.

This term is widely used in healthcare (e.g., medical lab technicians, radiology technicians), manufacturing, automotive repair, and information technology. It implies formal training, certification, and hands-on proficiency — not just general labor. Unlike 工人 (gōng rén, 'worker'), which is broader and less specialized, 技师 carries connotations of technical competence and professional status.