Explanation at your level:
You are a beginner. You know some words. 精通 is not for you yet! It is for when you are very, very good at something. Like a teacher or a pro.
At this level, you can say 'I am good at math'. But 精通 means you are much better than just 'good'. It is for experts who have studied for many years.
You can use 精通 to talk about your skills. If you have studied a language for five years, you might say you are 精通 that language. It shows you have reached an intermediate-high or advanced level.
Use 精通 in professional settings. It is a great word for your CV. It distinguishes between someone who 'knows' a software and someone who is 'proficient' or an 'expert' at using it.
At the C1 level, you recognize the nuance. 精通 implies a level of internalizing knowledge where you no longer have to think about the rules—they are second nature. It is often used in academic or highly technical contexts.
Mastery of 精通 involves understanding its weight. It is not just about skill; it is about the 'essence' (精) and the 'thoroughness' (通) of understanding. It is the hallmark of a true specialist who can innovate within their field.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means to be an expert.
- Used for professional skills.
- Higher level than 熟练.
- Formal and impressive.
When you say someone is 精通, you are giving them a big compliment! It describes a person who has moved past the 'beginner' or 'intermediate' stage and has truly mastered a craft.
Think of it as the difference between knowing how to cook and being a professional chef. Being 精通 means the knowledge is deep, intuitive, and reliable. Whether it is a language, a musical instrument, or a complex computer program, this word highlights high-level competence.
The term 精通 comes from classical Chinese roots. 精 (jīng) originally refers to something refined, essential, or the 'essence' of a thing. 通 (tōng) means to go through, connect, or understand thoroughly.
Historically, this phrase was used to describe scholars who had deeply internalized the classics. It implies that the knowledge has become part of their very being, allowing them to 'pass through' any obstacle in that field. It has evolved from describing scholarly wisdom to being used for modern technical skills.
You use 精通 when you want to emphasize professional-grade ability. It is most commonly used with languages (e.g., 精通英语 - proficient in English) or technical skills.
It is a formal to neutral term. You wouldn't say it to describe a casual hobby. Instead, use it in resumes, interviews, or when describing someone's impressive professional background. It pairs perfectly with 熟练 (skilled) but implies a much higher level of mastery.
1. 博大精深: Used for deep and profound knowledge. 2. 融会贯通: To master a subject by connecting all the dots. 3. 炉火纯青: To reach a state of perfection in a skill. 4. 驾轻就熟: To be so proficient that tasks become easy. 5. 游刃有余: To handle a complex task with ease because you are an expert.
精通 functions as a verb or an adjective. Grammatically, it often takes an object: Subject + 精通 + Object. For example, 'He is proficient in coding' is translated as '他精通编程'.
Pronunciation: jīng (first tone) and tōng (first tone). Both syllables are high and flat. It rhymes with words like 'song' or 'long' in a loose sense, though the vowel sounds are distinct in Mandarin.
Fun Fact
Reflects the ancient ideal of a scholar who knows everything.
Pronunciation Guide
Mandarin tones are specific
Mandarin tones are specific
Common Errors
- Wrong tone on Jing
- Wrong tone on Tong
- Merging the two sounds
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in formal texts
Useful for formal writing
Good for professional talk
Common in interviews
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb-Object Structure
精通 + 英语
Adverbial Modification
十分 + 精通
Negative Construction
不 + 精通
Examples by Level
I am not proficient yet.
精通
negative form
She is proficient in English.
He is proficient in math.
They are proficient in sports.
I want to be proficient.
Are you proficient?
Not yet proficient.
Very proficient student.
Becoming more proficient.
He is proficient in three languages.
She is proficient in using Excel.
The team is proficient in coding.
I am proficient in cooking.
He became proficient quickly.
Is he proficient enough?
Stay proficient in your craft.
We are proficient now.
She is proficient in handling complex data.
He is proficient in multiple programming languages.
To be proficient, one must practice daily.
The candidate is proficient in project management.
He is proficient in classical piano.
They are proficient in local customs.
She is proficient in legal research.
Being proficient is a requirement.
She is proficient in the nuances of international law.
He is proficient in deciphering ancient texts.
The engineer is proficient in structural design.
Being proficient in strategy is essential for CEOs.
She is proficient in advanced calculus.
He is proficient in architectural drawing.
They are proficient in crisis management.
The artist is proficient in oil painting.
His proficient handling of the crisis saved the company.
She is proficient in the art of diplomatic negotiation.
Only those proficient in the field can understand this.
He is proficient in the subtle arts of persuasion.
The maestro is proficient in every musical style.
She is proficient in the history of philosophy.
Being proficient requires lifelong learning.
He is proficient in the technical aspects of physics.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"博大精深"
extensive and profound
中国文化博大精深。
formal"融会贯通"
mastery by connecting knowledge
学习要融会贯通。
formal"炉火纯青"
perfection of skill
他的画技已炉火纯青。
literary"驾轻就熟"
easy because of experience
这事对他来说驾轻就熟。
neutral"游刃有余"
handle with ease
他处理问题游刃有余。
neutral"深藏不露"
hiding one's true talent
他是个深藏不露的高手。
neutralEasily Confused
both mean skilled
精通 is higher level
熟练 vs 精通
both relate to skill
擅长 is preference/talent
擅长 vs 精通
both mean know well
通晓 is more academic
通晓 vs 精通
similar structure
精于 is often followed by verb
精于 vs 精通
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 精通 + Noun
他精通数学。
Subject + 不精通 + Noun
我不精通电脑。
Subject + 非常精通 + Noun
她非常精通外语。
Subject + 在...方面精通
他在编程方面精通。
Subject + (Adv) + 精通 + Noun
他确实精通此道。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
It sounds too heavy for simple tasks
The '于' is often unnecessary
It means skill, not preference
Sounds overly serious
It needs a context
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a master chef.
Resume Tip
Use it to list skills.
Scholar Ideal
Ancient roots.
No '于'
Just object.
Tones
Keep them flat.
Don't use for beginners
It's for pros.
Essence
精 means essence.
Collocations
Learn with nouns.
Martial Arts
Used in movies.
Professionalism
Sounds smart.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Jing (essence) + Tong (pass through) = Essence passes through your brain.
Visual Association
A master sword fighter whose blade moves perfectly.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe one skill you are精通 at.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: Refined and connected
Cultural Context
None.
Equivalent to 'proficient' or 'mastery'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- 精通业务
- 精通软件
- 精通管理
At school
- 精通数学
- 精通历史
- 精通外语
Travel
- 精通当地语言
- 精通文化
- 精通路线
Hobbies
- 精通乐器
- 精通棋艺
- 精通厨艺
Conversation Starters
"你精通什么语言？"
"你觉得精通一门技术需要多久？"
"你认识谁是精通某项运动的人吗？"
"精通一门乐器很难吗？"
"在工作中，精通什么最重要？"
Journal Prompts
写下你最精通的一项技能。
如果你想精通一门新语言，你会怎么做？
描述一个你认为精通某事的人。
为什么精通一门技术对未来很重要？
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsOnly if you are a serious expert.
Yes, it can act as a verb.
Yes, very positive.
Yes, 'He is proficient'.
不精通.
Yes, when discussing skills.
No.
Moderately formal.
Test Yourself
他___英语。
精通 means proficient.
Which is best for a resume?
精通 is professional.
精通 means beginner.
It means expert.
Word
Meaning
Direct translation.
Subject-Verb-Object.
Score: /5
Summary
精通 is the perfect word to describe someone who has mastered a skill to a professional level.
- Means to be an expert.
- Used for professional skills.
- Higher level than 熟练.
- Formal and impressive.
Memory Palace
Imagine a master chef.
Resume Tip
Use it to list skills.
Scholar Ideal
Ancient roots.
No '于'
Just object.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
