技能 and 技術: acquired skill and the scope of technique
Compare acquired proficiency with methods or technology used in work, keeping their overlap instead of dividing people from machines.
Acquired proficiency with 技能
技能 (ぎのう) refers to acquired practical skill. The example 「訓練を重ねて溶接の技能を身に付けた。」 is translated as “I acquired welding skills through repeated training.” Read the skill needed for performance and how it is acquired.
The example 「職人の技能を次の世代へ伝える取り組みだ。」 is translated as “This activity passes artisans' skills on to the next generation.” Identify what the skill enables without adding qualification ranks or an examination system.
Methods and technology with 技術
技術 (ぎじゅつ) refers to methods, techniques, or technology for performing work. The example 「職人から木を曲げる伝統的な技術を学んだ。」 is translated as “I learned a traditional technique for bending wood from an artisan.” Check the target of the method or technology mentioned.
The example 「新しい技術によって作業時間が短くなった。」 is translated as “The new technology shortened the work time.” The new technology shortened the work time. Identify that result without adding the amount saved or the introduction of a particular machine.
When skill and technique work together
技能 emphasizes acquired proficiency, while 技術 names the range of methods or technology. A proficient person may use a technique, so their ranges can overlap.
The examples do not divide 技能 exclusively for people from 技術 exclusively for machines. Identify the proficiency involved and the method or technology being used.
What range do 技能 and 技術 compare when describing work?
Show the answer and why
技能 concerns acquired proficiency in performing it; 技術 concerns the methods or technology used. Both may be needed, so the words do not create exclusive categories for people and machines.