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B1 noun 9 min read

特技

tokugi
Examples
Explanation 特技 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Japanese. The word 特技 (tokugi) is very useful when you want to introduce yourself. It means 'special skill'. When you meet new people, they might ask you what you are good at. You can use this word to tell them. For example, if you are very good at playing the piano, you can say 'Watashi no tokugi wa piano desu' (My special skill is the piano). It is important to know that this is different from a hobby. A hobby is something you do for fun, like watching movies. A tokugi is something you practice and do very well. You will see this word on forms or hear it in simple conversations. Practice saying 'tokugi' clearly. The 'to' is short, 'ku' is short, and 'gi' is short. Remember, you do not need to have a big or amazing skill to use this word in casual conversation. Even simple things can be a tokugi if you are proud of them. Learning this word helps you make friends and share your interests with Japanese speakers.
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At the A2 level, you can use 特技 (tokugi) in more complete sentences. You know that it means 'special skill' or 'talent'. You can now use verbs with it. Instead of just saying a noun like 'piano', you can say 'playing the piano'. To do this, you add 'koto' to the verb. For example, 'Watashi no tokugi wa piano o hiku koto desu' (My special skill is playing the piano). This makes your Japanese sound much more natural. You can also ask other people about their skills. You can say 'Anata no tokugi wa nan desu ka?' (What is your special skill?). Listening to their answers will help you learn new vocabulary. In Japan, people often write their tokugi on their resumes when they look for a part-time job (arubaito). It shows the boss what you are good at. Sometimes people are shy and say they have no special skills. They might say 'Tokuni arimasen' (Nothing in particular). But it is always better to have one! Practice writing and speaking about your tokugi to become more confident in your Japanese self-introductions.
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At the B1 level, your understanding of 特技 (tokugi) deepens to include cultural nuances. You understand the clear distinction between 趣味 (shumi - hobby) and 特技 (tokugi - special skill). While a shumi is for personal enjoyment, a tokugi implies a level of objective proficiency. You can comfortably discuss your skills in various contexts, such as university club introductions or initial job interviews. You can use more complex sentence structures, such as explaining how you acquired the skill or how you plan to use it. For instance, '私の特技は英語を話すことで、将来はこの特技を仕事に生かしたいです' (My special skill is speaking English, and in the future, I want to utilize this skill in my work). You also start to recognize the kanji 特 (special) and 技 (skill) and can write them correctly. You understand that on Japanese TV, celebrities often showcase unique or funny tokugi for entertainment. You can express modesty while still stating your skill, navigating the delicate balance of Japanese social harmony (wa) and self-promotion. This word becomes a key tool in your conversational repertoire.
At the B2 level, you can discuss 特技 (tokugi) with fluency and precision, adapting your language to different social registers. You can differentiate between related terms like 得意 (tokui), 才能 (sainou), and スキル (sukiru), choosing the exact word needed for the context. In professional settings, you can articulate how your tokugi aligns with a company's goals during formal job hunting (shukatsu). You can understand and participate in complex conversations where people debate the value of innate talent versus acquired skills. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions and collocations involving tokugi, such as '特技を披露する' (tokugi o hirou suru - to showcase a special skill) or '特技を身につける' (tokugi o mi ni tsukeru - to acquire a special skill). You can read articles or essays about education in Japan that discuss the importance of developing a tokugi from a young age. Your pronunciation and intonation of the word are natural, and you can easily comprehend native speakers when they mention their obscure or highly technical tokugi in rapid conversation. You use the word confidently and correctly.
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At the C1 level, your grasp of 特技 (tokugi) is near-native. You can engage in abstract and philosophical discussions about the concept of specialized skills in modern society. You can analyze how the traditional Japanese emphasis on mastering a single tokugi (often related to the concept of shokunin or craftsmanship) contrasts with the modern demand for versatile skill sets. You effortlessly navigate high-level business Japanese (keigo) when discussing your core competencies and tokugi in executive interviews or professional networking events. You can read and comprehend complex literary or journalistic texts that use tokugi metaphorically or in nuanced contexts. You understand the subtle humor or irony when a native speaker uses the word self-deprecatingly to describe a useless talent. You can effortlessly correct learners who confuse tokugi with shumi, explaining the cultural and linguistic reasons behind the distinction. Your vocabulary around the topic is extensive, allowing you to express highly specific and technical skills with perfect grammatical accuracy and cultural sensitivity.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of the word 特技 (tokugi) and its surrounding conceptual framework is absolute. You understand its etymological roots and its evolution in Japanese discourse. You can write persuasive essays or deliver formal presentations on the socioeconomic impact of specialized skills in the Japanese labor market. You can play with the word stylistically in creative writing, using it to build character depth or thematic resonance. You are fully attuned to the sociolinguistic variations in how different generations or subcultures in Japan perceive and discuss their tokugi. You can seamlessly integrate the concept into discussions of Japanese psychology, such as the relationship between having a tokugi and one's ikigai (reason for being). You recognize the word in classical or historical contexts where 'gi' might refer to traditional martial or performing arts. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, demonstrating not just linguistic perfection, but profound cultural empathy and integration.
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Examples
The Japanese word 特技 (tokugi) is a fundamental vocabulary item that translates directly to 'special skill' or 'particular talent' in English. Understanding this word requires looking at its kanji components: 特 (toku), which means 'special' or 'particular', and 技 (gi), which refers to 'skill', 'technique', or 'art'. When combined, these characters form a concept that goes beyond a mere hobby or casual interest, elevating the activity to something the individual is notably proficient at or exceptionally good at performing. In Japanese society, distinguishing between a hobby (趣味 - shumi) and a special skill (特技 - tokugi) is an important social and professional nuance. While a hobby is something you enjoy doing for leisure regardless of your proficiency level, a tokugi implies a level of mastery, confidence, and objective ability that sets you apart from the average person.
Professional Context
In job hunting, listing a tokugi on a resume demonstrates your dedication and unique value to a prospective employer.
People most frequently use this word during self-introductions (自己紹介 - jikoshoukai), both in casual settings like meeting new friends or joining a university club, and in formal settings such as job interviews. When you are asked about your tokugi, the listener expects to hear about an activity where your skills shine.

私の特技はピアノを弾くことです。

This expectation means that Japanese people are sometimes hesitant to claim something as a tokugi unless they are truly confident in their abilities, often due to cultural modesty. However, in modern contexts, especially on television programs or among friends, people might list a humorous or incredibly niche tokugi, such as 'memorizing train schedules' or 'waking up exactly at 6 AM without an alarm'.
Casual Context
Among friends, sharing a quirky tokugi is a great icebreaker and a way to show your unique personality.
When you hear someone ask 'Tokugi wa nan desu ka?' (What is your special skill?), they are inviting you to showcase your talents.

彼の特技は外国語を早く覚えることです。

The concept of tokugi is deeply embedded in the Japanese educational system as well. From a young age, children are encouraged to develop a tokugi through extracurricular activities, sports, or arts. This focus on skill acquisition is seen as a way to build character, discipline, and perseverance.
Educational Context
Schools often host talent shows or club presentations where students can proudly display their tokugi to peers and parents.

履歴書に特技を書く欄があります。

彼女の特技は料理です。

面接で特技について聞かれました。

In summary, recognizing the weight and appropriate context for using the word tokugi will significantly improve your cultural fluency in Japanese. It is not just a word for a pastime, but a reflection of dedication, identity, and personal pride.
Using the word 特技 (tokugi) correctly in Japanese sentences involves understanding its grammatical function as a noun and the common verbs and particles that accompany it. The most basic and frequent sentence pattern you will encounter is '私の特技は [Skill] です' (Watashi no tokugi wa [Skill] desu), which translates to 'My special skill is [Skill]'. This structure is foundational for self-introductions.
Basic Structure
Noun + の (no) + 特技 + は (wa) + Skill + です (desu). This is the standard way to declare a skill.
When the skill is an action rather than a simple noun, you must nominalize the verb using 'こと' (koto). For example, instead of saying 'My special skill is swim', you say 'My special skill is swimming' by using '泳ぐこと' (oyogu koto).

私の特技は速く走ることです。

Another common verb used with tokugi is '生かす' (ikasu), which means to make use of or to leverage. In professional contexts, you might say '特技を生かして働きたい' (Tokugi o ikashite hatarakitai), meaning 'I want to work utilizing my special skills'.
Action Verb Integration
Using verbs like 生かす (ikasu - to utilize) or 披露する (hirou suru - to show off) elevates the sophistication of your sentence.
You will also frequently hear questions formulated around this word. '特技は何ですか？' (Tokugi wa nan desu ka?) is the standard polite inquiry. If you want to ask if someone has any special skills, you would say '何か特技はありますか？' (Nanika tokugi wa arimasu ka?).

みんなの前で特技を披露した。

彼にはこれといった特技がない。

プログラミングの特技を仕事に生かす。

Negative Sentences
To express a lack of special skills humbly, you can say '特に特技はありません' (Tokuni tokugi wa arimasen).

新しい特技を身につけたいです。

By mastering these sentence patterns, from simple declarative statements to complex sentences involving professional application and skill acquisition, you will be able to discuss personal talents fluently and naturally in any Japanese conversation.
The word 特技 (tokugi) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, media, and professional environments, making it a crucial vocabulary word for anyone aiming to understand authentic Japanese culture. One of the most prominent places you will encounter this word is in the context of job hunting (就職活動 - shuushokukatsudou, or 'shukatsu'). Japanese resumes (履歴書 - rirekisho) have a specific, standardized section labeled '趣味・特技' (Hobbies and Special Skills).
Resumes
The resume section is heavily scrutinized by interviewers to gauge a candidate's personality, dedication, and potential ice-breaking topics.
During interviews, a candidate is almost guaranteed to be asked to elaborate on what they wrote in this section.

履歴書の特技欄に何を書けばいいですか。

Beyond the corporate world, tokugi is a staple of Japanese television, particularly variety shows. Idols, comedians, and actors are frequently asked to demonstrate their tokugi on camera. Often, these skills are exaggerated, incredibly niche, or purely comedic, serving as a defining character trait (キャラ - kyara) for the celebrity.
Television Media
Variety shows use tokugi demonstrations as a primary source of entertainment and personality showcasing.

アイドルがテレビで特技のマジックを見せた。

You will also hear this word frequently in schools. At the beginning of a new school year, students introduce themselves to their new classmates, and stating one's tokugi is a standard part of this ritual. It helps students find peers with similar interests or complementary skills.

新学期の自己紹介で特技を発表した。

Dating Profiles
Modern matchmaking apps and dating profiles in Japan prominently feature a section for tokugi to help match compatible partners.

プロフィールに特技を登録する。

彼の特技はゲームでいつも勝つことだ。

Understanding where and how tokugi is used provides a window into Japanese societal values, emphasizing the importance of dedication, continuous self-improvement, and the social utility of having a specialized skill to share with the community.
When learning the word 特技 (tokugi), English speakers frequently make a few predictable mistakes, primarily stemming from cultural misunderstandings and grammatical nuances. The most significant and persistent error is confusing 特技 with 趣味 (shumi - hobby). While in English, we might casually interchange 'my hobby is playing guitar' and 'my special skill is playing guitar', in Japanese, the distinction is stark.
Hobby vs. Skill
If you say reading is your tokugi, Japanese people will assume you speed-read or have photographic memory. If it's just for fun, use shumi.
A hobby is something you enjoy; a tokugi is something you excel at. Claiming a mundane or low-level activity as a tokugi can make you appear either inappropriately boastful or completely misunderstanding the word's magnitude.

間違い：私の特技は寝ることです。（Unless meant as a joke）

Grammatically, a common mistake is forgetting to nominalize verbs when describing the skill. You cannot follow the word tokugi directly with a raw verb.
Nominalization Error
Incorrect: 私の特技は歌うです。Correct: 私の特技は歌うことです。

正しい：私の特技は絵を描くことです。

Another issue arises with the pronunciation and kanji writing. The kanji 特 (special) and 持 (to hold) look somewhat similar to beginners, leading to writing errors. Furthermore, learners sometimes mispronounce it as 'tokuki' instead of the voiced 'tokugi'.

発音注意：とくぎ (to-ku-gi)

Particle Mistakes
Using が (ga) instead of は (wa) in standard introductions. Say '私の特技は...' not '私の特技が...'.

私の特技は、人を笑わせることです。

あなたの特技を教えてください。

By being mindful of the cultural weight of the word, ensuring proper verb nominalization, and practicing the correct pronunciation and kanji, learners can easily avoid these common pitfalls and sound much more natural and respectful when discussing their talents.
While 特技 (tokugi) is the most standard word for 'special skill', the Japanese language offers a rich tapestry of related terms that carry slightly different nuances, registers, and implications. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to express yourself with greater precision. The most closely related word is 得意 (tokui), which is often used as a na-adjective (得意な - tokui na) meaning 'good at' or 'strong in'. While tokugi is a noun representing the skill itself, tokui describes your state of proficiency.
Tokugi vs. Tokui
You have a tokugi (noun), but you are tokui (adjective) at something. '特技は英語です' vs '英語が得意です'.
Another important alternative is 才能 (sainou), which translates to 'talent' or 'gift'. Sainou implies an innate, natural ability, whereas tokugi often implies a skill acquired through practice and dedication.

彼には音楽の才能があるが、特技はスポーツだ。

For professional or highly technical skills, the word スキル (sukiru), borrowed from English, is increasingly common, especially in IT and business environments. You might hear 'ITスキル' (IT sukiru) rather than 'ITの特技'.
Business Context
In modern corporate settings, 'sukiru' is often preferred for hard skills, while 'tokugi' might be reserved for more personal or unique talents.

私の特技は、誰とでもすぐに仲良くなれることです。

We must also mention 趣味 (shumi - hobby) again, as it is the most frequent point of confusion. Remember, shumi is for enjoyment, tokugi is for proficiency.
Shumi vs. Tokugi
A common interview phrase is '趣味と特技を教えてください' (Please tell me your hobbies and special skills), clearly separating the two.

趣味は読書で、特技は速読です。

長所と特技は違います。

彼の特技はプロ並みだ。

By carefully selecting between tokugi, tokui, sainou, sukiru, and shumi, you demonstrate a deep, nuanced mastery of Japanese vocabulary and cultural expectations.
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Examples by Level

1

私の特技はピアノです。

My special skill is the piano.

Noun + wa + noun + desu.

2

特技は何ですか。

What is your special skill?

Question word 'nan' (what).

3

彼の特技は歌です。

His special skill is singing.

Pronoun 'kare' (he) + no.

4

彼女の特技はダンスです。

Her special skill is dance.

Pronoun 'kanojo' (she) + no.

5

特技はありません。

I have no special skills.

Negative form 'arimasen'.

6

私の特技は料理です。

My special skill is cooking.

Vocabulary 'ryouri' (cooking).

7

特技はスポーツです。

My special skill is sports.

Katakana word 'supootsu'.

8

先生の特技は英語です。

The teacher's special skill is English.

Noun 'sensei' (teacher).

1

私の特技は速く走ることです。

My special skill is running fast.

Verb dictionary form + koto (nominalization).

2

履歴書に特技を書きます。

I will write my special skill on the resume.

Particle 'ni' for destination/location.

3

何か特技がありますか。

Do you have any special skills?

'Nanika' means 'something' or 'any'.

4

特技は絵を描くことです。

My special skill is drawing pictures.

Object particle 'o' with verb 'kaku'.

5

友達の特技は手品です。

My friend's special skill is magic tricks.

Vocabulary 'tejina' (magic trick).

6

特技を見せてください。

Please show me your special skill.

Te-form + kudasai (request).

7

私は特技が一つもありません。

I don't have even one special skill.

Counter 'hitotsu' + mo + negative.

8

あなたの特技は素晴らしいですね。

Your special skill is wonderful, isn't it?

Adjective 'subarashii' (wonderful).

1

面接で特技について聞かれました。

I was asked about my special skills at the interview.

Passive verb 'kikaremashita' and 'ni tsuite' (about).

2

私の特技は、誰とでもすぐに仲良くなれることです。

My special skill is being able to quickly make friends with anyone.

Potential form 'nareru' + koto.

3

特技を生かして、この会社で働きたいです。

I want to work at this company utilizing my special skills.

Te-form 'ikashite' (utilizing) connecting sentences.

4

彼はテレビで驚くべき特技を披露した。

He showed off an amazing special skill on TV.

Vocabulary 'hirou shita' (showcased).

5

趣味と特技は違います。

Hobbies and special skills are different.

Particle 'to' (and) comparing two nouns.

6

新しい特技を身につけるために練習しています。

I am practicing to acquire a new special skill.

'Tame ni' (in order to) + verb te-iru form.

7

彼女は自分の特技を誇りに思っている。

She is proud of her special skill.

Phrase 'hokori ni omotte iru' (is proud of).

8

履歴書の特技欄に何を書くか迷っている。

I am hesitating about what to write in the special skills section of the resume.

Embedded question with 'ka' + 'mayotte iru'.

1

プログラミングの特技を活かして、アプリを開発しました。

I developed an app by utilizing my programming skills.

Noun + no + tokugi + o ikashite.

2

一芸に秀でるというか、彼には際立った特技がある。

You could say he excels in one art; he has an outstanding special skill.

Advanced vocabulary 'kiwadatta' (outstanding).

3

自己PRでは、単なる趣味ではなく特技をアピールすべきだ。

In self-promotion, you should highlight a special skill rather than a mere hobby.

'Tannaru' (mere) and 'beki da' (should).

4

幼い頃から訓練を重ね、それを特技へと昇華させた。

Training repeatedly since childhood, they sublimated it into a special skill.

Advanced verb 'shouka saseta' (sublimated/elevated).

5

特技がないと悩む若者は少なくない。

There are quite a few young people who worry that they have no special skills.

Double negative meaning 'many' (sukunakunai).

6

語学という特技は、グローバル化が進む現代において強力な武器となる。

The special skill of languages becomes a powerful weapon in our modern, globalizing era.

Apposition 'to iu' (called/which is).

7

宴会芸としての特技を一つ持っていると便利だ。

It is convenient to have one special skill as a party trick.

'Toshite' (as) indicating role or function.

8

履歴書の特技は、面接官との会話の糸口になることが多い。

The special skill on a resume often becomes a conversation starter with the interviewer.

Metaphorical phrase 'kaiwa no itoguchi' (conversation starter).

1

彼の特技は、複雑な事象を簡潔に言語化する能力に他ならない。

His special skill is nothing other than the ability to verbalize complex phenomena concisely.

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