掌握关键技术
Master key technologies
Literally: Grasp (掌握) + Key/Critical (关键) + Technology/Technique (技术)
Use this to describe achieving high-level expertise that provides a competitive edge or independence.
In 15 Seconds
- Expertly grasping the most essential 'know-how' in a field.
- Commonly used in professional, business, and national development contexts.
- Implies moving from a simple user to a master creator.
Meaning
It means gaining full control and expertise over the most essential skills or technical secrets in a specific field. It's the difference between just using a tool and actually owning the 'know-how' behind it.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a formal business meeting
我们要想在市场中立足，必须掌握关键技术。
If we want to establish ourselves in the market, we must master key technologies.
Discussing career goals with a mentor
我打算花两年的时间，掌握这个行业的关键技术。
I plan to spend two years mastering the key technologies of this industry.
Texting a friend about a difficult coding course
这门课太难了，但我一定要掌握这些关键技术！
This course is so hard, but I must master these key technologies!
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply tied to China's modern industrial strategy and the concept of 'Zhuān Jīng Tè Xīn' (Specialized, Fined, Peculiar, and Innovative) enterprises. It rose to prominence as the country shifted its focus from low-end manufacturing to high-end innovation. It represents a collective cultural ambition to be a global leader in fields like 5G, AI, and green energy.
The 'Power Verb' Secret
In a Chinese resume, don't just say you 'know' (知道) a skill. Use `掌握` to sound like a high-level expert. It instantly makes you sound more employable.
Don't be too humble
While Chinese culture values humility, using this phrase in a professional setting is expected. It shows confidence, not arrogance.
In 15 Seconds
- Expertly grasping the most essential 'know-how' in a field.
- Commonly used in professional, business, and national development contexts.
- Implies moving from a simple user to a master creator.
What It Means
掌握关键技术 is all about power and independence. Imagine you are a chef. Anyone can follow a recipe. But only a master understands the exact chemistry of the spices. That is the 'key technology.' In Chinese, this phrase implies you aren't just a user anymore. You are now the expert who holds the keys to the kingdom. It is a very active, empowering expression.
How To Use It
You usually use this as a goal or a milestone. It often follows verbs like 'need to' (需要) or 'strive to' (力争). You can use it when talking about your career growth. It also appears constantly in news about science and business. If you are talking about a company's success, this is your go-to phrase. It sounds professional and ambitious.
When To Use It
Use this during a job interview to show you are serious. It works great in a business proposal to impress investors. You can also use it when discussing global trends or national development. If you are learning a complex skill like coding or AI, tell your friends you want to 掌握关键技术. It shows you are looking at the big picture, not just the basics.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for simple, everyday tasks. If you finally learned how to tie your shoes, don't say this. It will sound like you are giving a state-of-the-union address. Avoid it in very casual settings unless you are being funny. If you say it while learning to flip a pancake, your friends might roll their eyes. It is too 'heavy' for trivial hobbies.
Cultural Background
In China, there is a huge national focus on 'self-reliance.' This phrase is a buzzword in the media. It reflects the desire to move from 'Made in China' to 'Created in China.' For decades, many industries relied on foreign tech. Now, everyone wants to 掌握关键技术 to be independent. It carries a sense of pride and national progress.
Common Variations
You might also hear 掌握核心技术 (master core technology). They are almost identical in meaning. 核心 (héxīn) means 'core' or 'heart.' Another variation is 攻克关键技术, which means 'to overcome' or 'break through' a technical barrier. This version sounds like you are winning a difficult battle.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits between neutral and formal. It is perfectly safe for office environments, news, and academic writing, but use it sparingly in casual chat to avoid sounding like a textbook.
The 'Power Verb' Secret
In a Chinese resume, don't just say you 'know' (知道) a skill. Use `掌握` to sound like a high-level expert. It instantly makes you sound more employable.
Don't be too humble
While Chinese culture values humility, using this phrase in a professional setting is expected. It shows confidence, not arrogance.
The 'Neck-Choking' Tech
In China, technologies that are not yet mastered are called 'Kǎ Bó Zi' (choke-point) technologies. `掌握关键技术` is the solution to 'un-choke' the industry!
Examples
6我们要想在市场中立足，必须掌握关键技术。
If we want to establish ourselves in the market, we must master key technologies.
This shows the phrase used as a strategic necessity for a company.
我打算花两年的时间，掌握这个行业的关键技术。
I plan to spend two years mastering the key technologies of this industry.
Expresses a serious and structured professional ambition.
这门课太难了，但我一定要掌握这些关键技术！
This course is so hard, but I must master these key technologies!
Uses the phrase to show determination in a personal learning context.
看！我已经掌握了煎蛋的关键技术。
Look! I have already mastered the key technology of frying an egg.
Using a formal phrase for a trivial task creates a funny, mock-serious effect.
在这四年里，我们不仅学到了知识，更掌握了改变未来的关键技术。
In these four years, we haven't just learned knowledge; we've mastered the key technologies to change the future.
Elevates the phrase to an inspirational and grand level.
该团队成功掌握了芯片制造的关键技术。
The team successfully mastered the key technologies of chip manufacturing.
Standard journalistic use for reporting scientific breakthroughs.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the professional goal.
为了提高竞争力，公司决定投入更多资金来___关键技术。
`掌握` (master/grasp) is the standard verb paired with `关键技术` to indicate full control and expertise.
Complete the sentence to express a breakthrough.
经过多年的研发，我们终于___了这项关键技术。
`攻克` (overcome/conquer) is often used when a technical challenge was particularly difficult to master.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of '掌握关键技术'
Used ironically or for humor with friends.
Mastering the 'tech' of making tea.
Discussing personal skills or learning goals.
I want to master Python's key tech.
Standard in business meetings and news reports.
National focus on core technologies.
Where to use '掌握关键技术'
Job Interview
Highlighting your specialized skills.
Tech Conference
Discussing industry breakthroughs.
Study Group
Motivating peers to learn deep concepts.
Business Proposal
Proving your company's value.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While common in IT, it can apply to medicine, engineering, or even traditional crafts like 陶瓷制作 (ceramic making).
It's a bit heavy for language. You'd usually say 精通 (proficient in) a language rather than 掌握关键技术.
学会 means you learned how to do it. 掌握 means you have mastered it and can control it completely.
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though it is particularly common in Mainland China's economic and political discourse.
Only as a joke. For example, 'I've mastered the key technology to making you happy' (掌握了让你开心的关键技术).
Yes, it almost always implies progress, capability, and success.
You can say 我们尚未掌握关键技术 (wǒmen shàngwèi zhǎngwò...). 尚未 is a formal way to say 'not yet'.
You can use it for specific techniques, like a 'key move' in martial arts or a specific swing in golf.
People often just say 掌握核心 (master the core) if the context of technology is already clear.
It can, but it's so common in the workplace now that it just sounds like 'professional speak' to most people.
Related Phrases
核心竞争力
Core competitiveness
自主研发
Independent research and development
技术突破
Technical breakthrough
精益求精
Constantly improving; striving for perfection
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