专门

• Pinyin: zhuān mén
• Hanzi breakdown: 专 = simplified from 專, meaning to concentrate; 门 = simplified from 門, a pictograph of a double door

Meaning

Specially; specifically; on purpose. Indicates something is done with a particular focus or dedicated intent.

Used as an adverb meaning 'specifically' or 'specially' to emphasise that an action was done with deliberate intent or for a particular purpose. Can also function as an adjective meaning 'specialised' (as in 专门学校, specialised school). Very common in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 我专门来找你谈一件事。 I came specifically to talk to you about something.
2. 这家店专门卖各种茶叶。 This shop specialises in selling all kinds of tea.
3. 他专门学了三年法语。 He specifically studied French for three years.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, business, education

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 我专门为你准备了礼物。(I specially prepared a gift for you.)
• 这个软件是专门为学生设计的。(This software was specifically designed for students.)

Don't Say

• 我专门不小心打碎了杯子。(Don't pair 专门 with accidental actions — 专门 implies deliberate intent, so it contradicts 不小心)

Origin & History

专 (specialise, concentrate) + 门 (door, gate, field). Originally 'a specialised field,' extended to mean 'specifically' or 'specially.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal