擅 (shàn) - to be good at & to be adept in
擅 · shàn
to be good at;
to be adept in;
to monopolize;
to arrogate to oneself;
to act without authorization
to be good atto be adept into monopolize
Usage highlights
be good atact without authorizationmonopolize powerexcel inarrogate to oneselfbe skilled in
Usage & contexts
Examples
- She is good at playing the piano (擅长弹钢琴).
- He monopolized the conversation (擅于垄断谈话).
- They acted without permission (擅自行动).
- This company specializes in technology (这家公司擅长科技).
Collocations
- be good at(擅长)
- act without authorization(擅自)
- monopolize power(擅权)
- excel in(擅于)
- arrogate to oneself(擅专)
- be skilled in(擅精)
Idioms
- To act willfully without authorization(擅作威福)
- To monopolize power and act arbitrarily(擅权揽势)
- To be uniquely skilled in a particular field(独擅胜场)
- To act on one's own authority(擅离职守)
Cultural background
FAQ- In traditional Chinese culture, acting without proper authorization (擅自) was considered a serious breach of etiquette and hierarchy.
- The character reflects Confucian values emphasizing proper conduct and respect for authority.
- Being 'good at' something (擅长) was highly valued in imperial examination systems and scholarly traditions.