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March 24, 2026
擅shàn(shan4)
The character 擅 (shàn) primarily conveys the idea of being skilled or good at something, often with a nuance of doing so without proper authority or permission. It can also imply monopolizing a skill or resource, suggesting a level of arrogance or self-assuredness in one's abilities, which can be perceived negatively in certain contexts.
Strokes16Radical扌Frequency#8417DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of expertise is often tied to humility; therefore, claiming to be擅 (shàn) in something can be seen as boastful unless supported by evidence or achievements. This reflects the cultural value of modesty in personal accomplishments.
Memory Tip
Imagine a skilled artist (擅) painting a beautiful landscape, but instead of sharing it, they claim it solely for themselves, symbolizing both expertise and monopolization. The left part (扌) represents 'hand,' indicating skill, while the right part (善) means 'good' or 'virtuous,' reinforcing the idea of being good at something.
Meanings of 擅
shàn(shan4)
1without authority
2to usurp
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 擅
擅Simplified
16Strokes
扌Radical
动语素dòngcíverb root (v.root)Part of Speech
#8417Frequency Rank
Podcast: 擅
Podcast: 擅
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AI Study Notes for 擅
Quick Contrast
巧 (qiǎo) - use 擅 (shàn) when emphasizing skill that may lack authorization;巧 (qiǎo) focuses on cleverness or finesse in skill.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a skilled artist (擅) painting a beautiful landscape, but instead of sharing it, they claim it solely for themselves, symbolizing both expertise and monopolization. The left part (扌) represents 'hand,' indicating skill, while the right part (善) means 'good' or 'virtuous,' reinforcing the idea of being good at something.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 擅 in formal contexts, as it can imply a negative connotation of usurpation or arrogance. It often appears in phrases like 擅长 (shàncháng), meaning 'to be good at' or 'to excel in.' Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing it might lead to confusion with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 擅 can enrich learners' comprehension of phrases involving expertise and authority. Connecting it with other HSK words related to skill or capability, such as 能 (néng, can) and 会 (huì, to know how), is beneficial for contextual learning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of expertise is often tied to humility; therefore, claiming to be擅 (shàn) in something can be seen as boastful unless supported by evidence or achievements. This reflects the cultural value of modesty in personal accomplishments.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 擅 with 善 (shàn), which means 'good' in a moral sense. For example, saying '他擅于帮助别人' (Tā shàn yú bāngzhù biérén) is incorrect; the correct phrase is '他擅长帮助别人' (Tā shàncháng bāngzhù biérén), meaning 'He is good at helping others.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 擅
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Grammar Patterns of 擅
擅 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他天生____长交际：他的祖先曾是封建领主。
Diplomacy was in his blood: his ancestors had been feudal lords.
Example Sentences for 擅 (10)
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1
他天生擅长交际：他的祖先曾是封建领主。
tā tiān shēng shàn cháng jiāo jì： ： tā de zǔ xiān zēng shì fēng jiàn lǐng。
Diplomacy was in his blood: his ancestors had been feudal lords.
2
诺克斯擅自作主，选了葡萄酒。
nuò kè sī shàn zì zuò zhǔ， ， xuǎn le pú táo。
Knox had taken it on himself to choose the wine.
3
他成功的关键在于他擅长逻辑思维。
tā chéng gōng de guān jiàn zài yú tā shàn cháng luó jí sī wéi。
The key to his success is his logical mind.
4
她的嗓音擅长演绎有难度的歌曲。
tā de sǎng yīn shàn cháng yǎn yì yǒu nán dù de gē qū。
Hers is the kind of voice that excels at vocal gymnastics.
Young workers are more willing to desert jobs they don't like.
Cultural Notes for 擅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of expertise is often tied to humility; therefore, claiming to be擅 (shàn) in something can be seen as boastful unless supported by evidence or achievements. This reflects the cultural value of modesty in personal accomplishments.
Word Family of 擅
Words Containing This Character7
擅长shànchángto be good at擅長
擅自shànzìwithout permission
擅shànto usurp
擅离职守to abscond擅離職守
擅权to arrogate power擅權
专擅without authorization專擅
擅断arbitrary擅斷
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 擅长 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 擅
Yes, but be mindful of the context, as it can imply a lack of humility or authority in their expertise.
Not always, but it can carry a negative connotation if it suggests monopolizing or claiming something without permission.
You can use it in phrases like '他擅长画画' (Tā shàncháng huàhuà), meaning 'He is good at painting.'
