Definition
手腕 (shǒu wàn) literally means 'wrist', but figuratively it refers to skill or finesse in handling people or situations, often implying cunning or trickery. It contrasts with 技巧 (jì qiǎo), which is about technical expertise or knack in a specific activity. 手腕 is about interpersonal maneuvering; 技巧 is about practical know-how.
noun
(anatomy) wrist(figurative) skillfinessetrickeryability to maneuver
Examples
- 手腕,。Yīshēng jiǎnchá le wǒ de shǒu wàn, shuō méiyǒu gǔzhé.The doctor examined my wrist and said there was no fracture.
- 手腕,。Píngjiè chūsè de wàijiāo shǒu wàn, liǎng guó guānxì dédào gǎishàn.Thanks to outstanding diplomatic skill, the relations between the two countries improved.
- 手腕,。Zuò shēngyi bù néng zǒngshì shuǎ shǒu wàn, chéngxìn zuì zhòngyào.When doing business, you can't always play tricks; honesty is most important.
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