当选

• Pinyin: dāng xuǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 当 (to serve as) + 选 = 辶 (walk) + 先 (first) + 二 (two, simplified)

Meaning

To be elected; to win an election. To be chosen through a voting process.

Used for formal elections at all levels, from class monitor to national leaders. Also applies to being selected for honors or positions through competitive processes.

Examples

1. 他在激烈的竞争中当选为公司的新任总经理。 He was elected as the company's new general manager in fierce competition.
2. 市长候选人以微弱优势当选，承诺将改善民生。 The mayoral candidate was elected by a narrow margin and promised to improve people's livelihood.
3. 她当选为年度最佳员工，感到非常荣幸。 She was elected Employee of the Year and felt very honored.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, organization, news

Tone: official

Do Say

• 他当选为班长。(He was elected class monitor.)
• 新总统当选后发表了讲话。(The newly elected president gave a speech.)

Don't Say

• '当选'用于正式选举——非正式的选择用'被选中'或'入选'更合适 (当选 is for formal elections — for informal selection, 被选中 or 入选 is more appropriate)

Origin & History

Compound of 当 (to serve as, to be) + 选 (to select, election), meaning to be selected.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal