Chinese word

特长

Pronunciation

Pinyintè cháng

Meaning

  • nounspecial skill

Example

她的特长是唱歌。tā de tè cháng shì chàng gē

Her special skill is singing.

Illustration for 特长 (special skill)

More examples

学校里有很多机会让学生发展自己的特长。xué xiào lǐ yǒu hěn duō jī huì ràng xué shēng fà zhǎn zì jǐ de tè cháng

There are many opportunities at school for students to develop their special skills.

Core concept

A bright peak in a person's abilities stands above the rest.

Common phrases

  • 发挥特长fā huī tè cháng

    use a special skill

  • 发掘特长fā jué tè cháng

    discover a special skill

  • 有特长yǒu tè cháng

    have a special skill

Similar words

专长zhuān cháng: An area in which a person has expert ability or knowledge, especially through work or study.
技能jì néng: A learned practical ability to use techniques and carry out tasks.
能力néng lì: The general ability and strength needed to do a job or take part in an activity.

Definition in Chinese

个人在技能、才干或活动上明显优于一般人的专长或优点。gè rén zài jì néng cái gàn huò huó dòng shàng míng xiǎn yōu yú yì bān rén de zhuān cháng huò yōu diǎn

Word origin

特 (tè, "special") + 长 (cháng, "long") forms a compound in which 长 extends from physical length to being strong or skilled in a particular area, giving the word its sense of a standout ability.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, this noun can describe what someone does especially well in singing, sports, study, or practical work, not only a professional skill.

Other meanings

  • strengthnoun
  • area of expertisenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 特长生tè cháng shēngstudent with a special skillnoun
  • 特长教育tè cháng jiào yùspecial-skills educationnoun

Word lists with this word