The Difference Between Technology and Technique

（单词翻译）

This week, we answer a question from Kaia from China.

Question:

Could you tell me the differences between technology and technique? And how do we use them in our daily life?

Thank you.

Answer:

Dear Kaia,

Thank you for your question. The words "technology" and "technique" are different. But they both come from a Greek¹ word meaning the study of an art or craft². Words starting with tech- and techno-, describe a skill, art or way of doing things.

Technique

"Technique" is a way of doing a specific³ activity.

For example, if you study the guitar, you can learn techniques for playing different kinds of music. If you like cooking, you can learn techniques for making foods from around the world. Here is an example:

The soccer players train every day to improve their technique.

Technology

"Technology" is the use of scientific knowledge and methods.

Technology makes jobs easier by improving machines and tools. For example:

A camera is now easier to use because of digital⁴ technology.

Using technique and technology

You can use numerous⁵ techniques to use the same technology. Here are two examples:

My technique for taking better pictures is to take more pictures of friends for fun.

Nabila knows how to use camera technology to take better pictures of her friends.

A telephone is a kind of technology that has changed over time. Techniques for using telephones have also changed.

Over 140 years ago, the phone was a new technology for people to communicate.

Now, people use new techniques like texting and messaging to communicate over the phone.

And that is Ask a Teacher.

I'm Armen Kassabian.

Armen Kasabian wrote this story for VOA Learning⁶ English. Hai Do was the editor.

What is your favorite technology and why? What techniques do you use with that technology? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

Words in This Story

guitar – n. a musical instrument with six strings that is played with fingers or a pick