eighteen martial arts; various skills
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
the eighteen traditional weapons; mastery of various martial arts
Originally refers to the comprehensive martial arts training with eighteen types of ancient Chinese weapons. Often used metaphorically to describe versatility.
Gǔ古
dài代
wǔ武
jiàng将
jīng精
tōng通
shí十
bā八
bān般
wǔ武
yì艺
。
Ancient generals were proficient in the eighteen martial arts.
Zhè这
wèi位
dà大
shī师
shí十
bā八
bān般
wǔ武
yì艺
yàng样
yàng样
jīng精
tōng通
。
This master is proficient in every one of the eighteen martial arts.
noun
various skills; versatility; all kinds of abilities
Metaphorical usage emphasizing versatility and diverse capabilities in work or life. Very common in modern contexts.
Tā他
zài在
gōng公
sī司
lǐ里
shí十
bā八
bān般
wǔ武
yì艺
yàng样
yàng样
dōu都
huì会
。
He knows all kinds of skills in the company.
Zuò做
zhè这
háng行
xū需
yào要
shí十
bā八
bān般
wǔ武
yì艺
，
shén什
me么
dōu都
yào要
dǒng懂
yī一
diǎn点
。
This line of work requires versatility; you need to know a little bit of everything.
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Zhè这
wèi位
chú厨
shī师
yǒu有
shí十
bā八
bān般
wǔ武
yì艺
，
néng能
zuò做
gè各
guó国
liào料
lǐ理
。
This chef has all kinds of skills and can cook cuisines from various countries.