Meaning and Usage
"技師" (ぎし) refers to a professional who has specialized technical skills, commonly translated as "engineer" or "technician." It is often used in formal or professional contexts to describe someone with technical expertise in fields like electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "技師" used in workplaces such as factories, construction sites, or companies where technical knowledge is essential. It can refer to both engineers who design and plan, and technicians who handle practical technical tasks.
Collocations and Patterns
- 技師として (ぎしとして): "as an engineer/technician" — used to describe someone's role or profession.
- 電気技師 (でんきぎし): "electrical engineer/technician" — a common compound.
- 技師の資格 (ぎしのしかく): "technician's license" — referring to professional certification.
Register and Nuance
"技師" is a formal term and is less casual than words like "エンジニア" (engineer in katakana) used in everyday conversation. It emphasizes professional qualification and technical skill.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "技師" with "技術者" (ぎじゅつしゃ), which also means technician or engineer but is broader and can include people with technical knowledge without formal certification. Use "技師" when referring to certified or formally recognized technical professionals.