谙 (ān) - To be well-versed in & to be familiar with

谙Tone 1

ān ｜ 11 strokes ｜ radical:

安傲

谙 · ān

To be well-versed in;

to be familiar with;

to know thoroughly (especially through experience).

To be well-versed into be familiar withto know thoroughly (especially through experience).

Usage highlights

wellunfamiliar withknow the ways of the worlddeeply understandexperienced and prudentknow thoroughly

Synonyms

  • 熟— familiar, skilled
  • 晓— to know, to understand
  • 通— to understand thoroughly, to be proficient in

Antonyms

  • 生— unfamiliar, unskilled
  • 疏— distant, unfamiliar

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is well-versed in classical poetry (谙熟古典诗词).
  • I am not familiar with the local customs (不谙当地风俗).
  • She is experienced in the ways of the world (谙于世故).
  • He has a deep understanding of music (深谙音律).

Collocations

  • well-versed in(谙熟)
  • unfamiliar with(不谙)
  • know the ways of the world(谙练)
  • deeply understand(深谙)
  • experienced and prudent(谙达)
  • know thoroughly(谙晓)

Idioms

  • Well-versed in both polite letters and martial arts(谙文习武)
  • To know the bitterness and hardship of life(谙尽辛酸)
  • To be familiar with the situation and well-experienced(谙练老成)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used in classical and literary contexts to denote deep, experiential knowledge.
  • Implies a knowledge gained through practice and long exposure, not just theoretical understanding.
  • Commonly associated with mastery of arts, customs, or complex social dynamics.

FAQ