jīngtōng: 精通 - To be proficient in, to master

• Keywords: 精通, jingtong, master Chinese, proficient in, expert in Chinese, how to say master in Chinese, jingtong meaning, 精通 vs 会, Chinese vocabulary, HSK 5, learn Chinese, fluent in Chinese
• Summary: Learn the meaning of 精通 (jīngtōng), a powerful Chinese verb used to describe a deep and thorough mastery of a complex skill or subject. This page breaks down the characters 精 (essence) and 通 (through), explains its cultural importance, and provides over 10 practical example sentences. Discover the difference between 精通 (jīngtōng), 会 (huì), and 擅长 (shàncháng) to avoid common mistakes and sound more like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jīng tōng
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To have a deep and thorough proficiency in, or to master, a particular skill or subject.
• In a Nutshell: 精通 (jīngtōng) is a strong word that goes far beyond simply “knowing” how to do something. It implies a comprehensive, profound, and almost intuitive command of a complex field, such as a language, a musical instrument, or an academic discipline. Think of it as the level of an expert or a master. If you merely “can” do something, you use `会 (huì)`. If you are “good at” it, you use `擅长 (shàncháng)`. But if you have truly mastered it inside and out, you are 精通 (jīngtōng).

• 精 (jīng): This character's core meaning is “essence,” “refined,” “perfected,” or “spirit.” It contains the rice radical `米 (mǐ)`, suggesting the process of refining rice to get to its purest, most essential part. It's the same character in `精神 (jīngshén)`, meaning spirit or essence. In 精通, it contributes the idea of a refined, perfected skill.
• 通 (tōng): This character means “to go through,” “to connect,” “to open,” or “to understand.” It pictures an unimpeded path. It implies a complete and unobstructed understanding of a subject from beginning to end. It's the same character in `交通 (jiāotōng)`, meaning traffic or transport.
• When combined, 精 (jīng) and 通 (tōng) create a vivid image: having a refined (精) understanding that goes all the way through (通) a subject. It means you don't just know the surface; you know its essence and can navigate it completely.

The term 精通 (jīngtōng) reflects a deep-seated cultural value in China: the respect for dedication, depth of knowledge, and true mastery. This is closely related to the modern concept of 工匠精神 (gōngjiàng jīngshén), or the “artisan spirit,” which praises meticulous craftsmanship and the pursuit of perfection over a long period. To a Western learner, 精通 (jīngtōng) might seem equivalent to “being an expert” or “mastering a skill.” While similar, there's a subtle cultural nuance. In the West, particularly in American culture, there is often praise for being a “jack-of-all-trades” or having a broad skillset. 精通, however, is firmly focused on depth over breadth. Furthermore, due to the value placed on humility, it is considered boastful for a person to claim they are 精通 in a subject themselves. It is a level of praise more often bestowed upon others. Aspiring to 精通 a skill is a noble goal, but claiming you have already arrived can be seen as arrogant unless your skill is truly undeniable and recognized by others.

精通 is most often used in formal and professional contexts.

• Resumes and Job Descriptions: It's a standard and powerful term to see on a CV (`简历 jiǎnlì`). A company might seek a candidate who is “精通英语” (proficient in English) or “精通市场营销” (an expert in marketing).
• Describing High-Level Skill: It is used to praise scholars, artists, engineers, and other professionals who have reached the pinnacle of their field. You would use it to describe a professor, a renowned musician, or a senior programmer.
• Personal Goals: As a learner, it's very natural to use 精通 to describe your ultimate goal. For example, `我的目标是精通中文` (My goal is to master Chinese).
• Fields of Use: 精通 is reserved for complex, deep subjects like:
  • Languages (e.g., `精通德语` - proficient in German)
  • Academic fields (e.g., `精通法律` - expert in law)
  • Technical skills (e.g., `精通编程` - proficient in programming)
  • Art forms (e.g., `精通书法` - master of calligraphy)

You would not use it for simple, everyday tasks. For instance, you wouldn't say you are `精通` cooking instant noodles.

• Example 1:
  • 他在简历上写着自己精通英语和法语。
  • Pīnyīn: Tā zài jiǎnlì shàng xiězhe zìjǐ jīngtōng Yīngyǔ hé Fǎyǔ.
  • English: He wrote on his resume that he is proficient in English and French.
  • Analysis: This is a classic, formal use of 精通 in a professional context. It makes a very strong claim about his language abilities.
• Example 2:
  • 我的目标是有一天能精通中文。
  • Pīnyīn: Wǒ de mùbiāo shì yǒuyītiān néng jīngtōng Zhōngwén.
  • English: My goal is to one day be able to master the Chinese language.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows 精通 used as a long-term aspiration, which is a very common and appropriate way for a learner to use the word.
• Example 3:
  • 李医生不仅医术高超，而且精通药理学。
  • Pīnyīn: Lǐ yīshēng bùjǐn yīshù gāochāo, érqiě jīngtōng yàolǐxué.
  • English: Dr. Li not only has superb medical skills, but he is also an expert in pharmacology.
  • Analysis: Here, 精通 is used to describe someone else's profound professional knowledge. The structure `不仅…, 而且…` (not only…, but also…) emphasizes his high level of expertise.
• Example 4:
  • 要精通一门乐器，需要成千上万个小时的练习。
  • Pīnyīn: Yào jīngtōng yī mén yuèqì, xūyào chéngqiān-shàngwàn ge xiǎoshí de liànxí.
  • English: To master a musical instrument requires thousands upon thousands of hours of practice.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the effort and dedication implied by the word 精通.
• Example 5:
  • 这位工程师精通三种不同的编程语言。
  • Pīnyīn: Zhè wèi gōngchéngshī jīngtōng sān zhǒng bùtóng de biānchéng yǔyán.
  • English: This engineer is proficient in three different programming languages.
  • Analysis: A straightforward example of using 精通 to describe high-level technical skills.
• Example 6:
  • 我虽然会用这个软件，但远谈不上精通。
  • Pīnyīn: Wǒ suīrán huì yòng zhège ruǎnjiàn, dàn yuǎn tánbushàng jīngtōng.
  • English: Although I can use this software, I'm far from mastering it.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of humble and accurate self-assessment. The phrase `远谈不上 (yuǎn tánbushàng)` means “far from being able to say,” and is often paired with 精通.
• Example 7:
  • 他精通中国古典文学，是一位真正的学者。
  • Pīnyīn: Tā jīngtōng Zhōngguó gǔdiǎn wénxué, shì yī wèi zhēnzhèng de xuézhě.
  • English: He has mastered Chinese classical literature; he is a true scholar.
  • Analysis: This links the concept of 精通 directly to the status of being an expert or a scholar (`学者 xuézhě`).
• Example 8:
  • 我们公司正在招聘精通国际贸易法的人才。
  • Pīnyīn: Wǒmen gōngsī zhèngzài zhāopìn jīngtōng guójì màoyì fǎ de réncái.
  • English: Our company is currently recruiting talent proficient in international trade law.
  • Analysis: Another typical example from a job advertisement, showing the specific, high-level knowledge required.
• Example 9:
  • 张教授精通明朝历史。
  • Pīnyīn: Zhāng jiàoshòu jīngtōng Míng cháo lìshǐ.
  • English: Professor Zhang is an expert in Ming Dynasty history.
  • Analysis: A simple, clear sentence praising the deep knowledge of an academic.
• Example 10:
  • 他花了三十年时间，才精通了这门手艺。
  • Pīnyīn: Tā huāle sānshí nián shíjiān, cái jīngtōng le zhè mén shǒuyì.
  • English: He spent thirty years before he finally mastered this craft.
  • Analysis: The use of `才 (cái)` emphasizes that mastering the craft was a long and difficult process, reinforcing the weight of the word 精通.

• Mistake 1: Confusing `精通 (jīngtōng)` with `会 (huì)`.
  • `会 (huì)` simply means “can” or “to know how to” at a basic level. It's the first step. 精通 is the final step.
  • Incorrect: 我刚学了一年中文，现在我精通中文了。(I just studied Chinese for a year, now I have mastered it.)
  • Reason: This is a huge exaggeration and sounds absurd. One year is only enough to build a foundation.
  • Correct: 我刚学了一年中文，现在我会说一点儿了。(I just studied Chinese for a year, now I can speak a little.)
• Mistake 2: Overusing `精通 (jīngtōng)` to describe yourself.
  • As mentioned in the cultural section, claiming you are 精通 can sound arrogant. It's better to be modest.
  • Arrogant: 你好，我精通中国文化。(Hello, I have mastered Chinese culture.)
  • Better/More Humble: 你好，我对中国文化很感兴趣，也了解一些。(Hello, I'm very interested in Chinese culture and am familiar with some of it.)
• `精通 (jīngtōng)` vs. `擅长 (shàncháng)`
  • `擅长 (shàncháng)` means “to be good at” or “to excel in.” It's a strong compliment and denotes a high level of skill, but 精通 is even stronger. 精通 implies a comprehensive, theoretical, and practical mastery. You can be `擅长` (good at) public speaking, but a linguist might be `精通` (have mastered) phonetics.
  • You are more likely to be `擅长` many things, but `精通` only one or two.

• 会 (huì) - The most basic level: “to be able to,” “can.” The opposite of 精通 in terms of depth.
• 懂 (dǒng) - “To understand.” You can `懂` (understand) a concept without being able to `精通` (master) the entire field.
• 了解 (liǎojiě) - “To find out,” “to be familiar with.” A more superficial level of knowledge than `懂`.
• 熟悉 (shúxī) - “To be familiar with.” Implies familiarity from repeated exposure or use, stronger than `了解` but weaker than 精通.
• 擅长 (shàncháng) - “To be good at,” “to excel in.” A close synonym denoting high skill, but generally less absolute than 精通.
• 掌握 (zhǎngwò) - “To grasp,” “to master.” A very close synonym to 精通. `掌握` often focuses on successfully controlling or using a skill, while 精通 can have a slightly stronger emphasis on deep, comprehensive knowledge.
• 专家 (zhuānjiā) - “Expert,” “specialist.” This is a noun. A `专家` is a person who is 精通 in their subject.
• 高手 (gāoshǒu) - “Master,” “expert” (lit. “high hand”). An informal noun for someone with great skill, often used for games, sports, or crafts.
• 熟练 (shúliàn) - “Skilled,” “practiced,” “proficient.” This adjective emphasizes that skill has been gained through much practice and repetition. It's a necessary component of 精通.
• 工匠精神 (gōngjiàng jīngshén) - “The artisan spirit.” The cultural ideal of pursuing perfection and dedication, which is the spirit behind achieving 精通.