特长

• Pinyin: tè cháng
• Hanzi breakdown: 特 = 牜(cow) + 寺 (temple) — special; 长 = long, strong point

Meaning

Special skill; forte; strong point. An area of particular talent or expertise.

Refers to abilities that set a person apart, often asked about in job interviews, school applications, or introductions. Can include artistic, athletic, technical, or interpersonal skills.

Examples

1. 请在简历上写明你的特长，这对面试很重要。 Please list your special skills on your resume — it's important for the interview.
2. 她的特长是弹钢琴，从五岁就开始学了。 Her forte is playing piano — she's been learning since age five.
3. 每个人都有自己的特长，关键是要找到并发挥它。 Everyone has their own special skills — the key is to find and develop them.

Usage Guide

Context: education, career, introductions

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 你有什么特长？(What are your special skills?)
• 这是我的特长。(This is my forte.)

Don't Say

• 把基本能力说成'特长' (Don't call basic abilities like typing 特长 — it should be something distinctive)

Origin & History

特 means special, 长 means strong point — a special strength.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal