技能 (jì néng) is a compound noun meaning 'skill' or 'ability'—a learned capacity to perform a task effectively. The first character 技 (jì) means 'technique' or 'craft', often implying specialized, practical methods; the second character 能 (néng) means 'ability' or 'capacity', suggesting innate or developed potential. Together, they emphasize proficiency gained through training and experience—not just natural talent, but competence honed over time.

This word is commonly used in work, education, and daily life: job postings list required 技能, students develop 技能 in vocational courses, and adults improve 技能 for career advancement. It’s more formal and concrete than 才能 (cái néng, 'talent') or 能力 (néng lì, 'capability'), and it often appears in collocations like '专业技能' (zhuānyè jì néng, 'professional skills') or '基本技能' (jīběn jì néng, 'basic skills').