1.
technique; art; skill
A method or technique, especially one requiring special training or knowledge. Often used as a suffix to form compound words describing specific arts or techniques.
忍術を使う。
To use ninjutsu.
柔術は日本の伝統的な武術の一つだ。
Jujutsu is one of Japan's traditional martial arts.
彼は話術に長けていて、聞く人を引きつける。
He is skilled in the art of conversation and draws listeners in.
2.
means; way; method
A way or means of doing something, often used in the expression 'having no means' or 'no way to do something.'
逃げる術がない。
There is no way to escape.
生きる術を身につける。
To learn the means to survive.
為す術もなく、ただ見ているしかなかった。
There was nothing we could do; we could only watch.
術 can function both as a standalone noun and as a suffix forming compound words.
COMMON COMPOUNDS (as suffix):
- 武術 (martial arts)
- 忍術 (ninjutsu)
- 柔術 (jujutsu)
- 手術 (surgery)
- 芸術 (art)
- 技術 (technology, skill)
- 話術 (art of conversation)
- 魔術 (magic, sorcery)
COMMON EXPRESSIONS (sense 2):
- 為す術がない (there is nothing one can do)
- 逃げる術がない (there is no way to escape)
Note: When reading 術 as すべ (an alternative reading), the meaning is specifically "means" or "way" and is more literary. The じゅつ reading is standard in compounds.