技
- skill, ability, technique;
- craft, art, workmanship;
Etymology
Phono-semantic compound:
手 (hand radical) – semantic, indicating manual action, craft, skill.
支 (to support, branch) – phonetic element.
The image conveys a hand performing a specialized action, extended to mean technical skill, craft, and mastery.
Semantic range:
- skill, art, technique (e.g., 무술의 기술 “martial arts skill”);
- craftsmanship, ability of an artisan;
- practical ability or specialized technique.
Usage in Korean
技術 (기술) - technology, technique
特技 (특기) - special skill, specialty
演技 (연기) - performance, acting skill
技能 (기능) - technical ability, proficiency