The Meaning of tokugi [特技] In Japanese

特技
とくぎ
Romaji: tokugi N4

What does 特技 mean?

Translation and Meaning

special skill, talent, technique, party trick

Definition

特技 means a specific skill or talent that a person can perform well, typically highlighting an ability that stands out beyond ordinary tasks rather than everyday competencies.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • A specific skill or talent developed through practice and used to perform or demonstrate something.
  • A talent that stands out in performances or competitions, often showcased to entertain or impress others.
  • A personal forte or specialty highlighted in social introductions or self-presentation.
  • In some contexts, it can refer to a notable, sometimes impressive trick or demonstration.

Composition

  • 特 = special or exceptional
  • 技 = technique or skill
  • Together they denote a standout ability that a person can perform, i.e., a special skill

Usage

Used as a noun to denote a person’s notable skill, typically described in introductions or self-presentation, or discussed in contexts like competitions or classes. It is used in formal and casual speech, often paired with verbs such as 持つ or 活かす to indicate possession or application of the skill.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a stage spotlight labeled 特 and a magician performing a unique 技; this pairing reminds you that the word marks a standout, deliberate technique or trick.

Variations

  • 得意技 (とくいわざ) – a specialty move or favored technique
  • 腕前 (うでまえ) – level of skill, proficiency, prowess
  • 技量 (ぎりょう) – technical ability or competence
  • 不得手 (ふとて) – not good at, the opposite concept

Example Phrases

  • 私の 特技は 料理 を 作る こと です。
    Watashi no tokugi wa ryōri o tsukuru koto desu.
    My special skill is cooking.
    Lista:
    • 私の (watashi no) – my
    • 特技は (tokugi wa) – special skill (topic marker)
    • 料理 (ryōri) – cooking
    • を (o) – object marker
    • 作る (tsukuru) – to make / cook
    • こと (koto) – thing / act (nominalizer)
    • です。 (desu.) – is (polite copula)
    In this sentence, 「特技」 means ‘special skill’; the sentence uses the topic-marker structure XはYです to present a fact, here with 私の特技 as the topic.
特技