jat1 gei6 zi1 coeng4一技之長一技之长

Jyutpingjat1 gei6 zi1 coeng4

Yaleyāt geih jī chèuhng

名詞Rare

Definition

A professional skill, specialty, or proficiency in a particular field.

neutralworkpeople

How it's used

This idiom emphasizes the importance of having a specific, marketable talent to rely on for a living. It is often used in the context of career advice or when discussing the necessity of practical training over purely academic pursuits. While it sounds slightly formal due to its four character structure, it is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe someone who is competent in a trade or craft.

Examples

keoi5佢sai3細sai3細go3個zau6就hok6學kam4琴，jau5有jat1一gei6技zi1之coeng4長。

He has been learning piano since he was small and has a professional skill.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得zi6自gei2己jau5有me1咩jat1一gei6技zi1之coeng4長aa4呀？

What kind of professional skill do you think you have?

Common phrases

pui4培joeng5養jat1一gei6技zi1之coeng4長

to cultivate a professional skill

bang6憑jat1一gei6技zi1之coeng4長

relying on one's professional skill

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with general hobbies or interests, as it specifically implies a skill level high enough to be considered a profession or a reliable way to make a living.