专长

• Pinyin: zhuān cháng
• Hanzi breakdown: 专 = 一 + 寸 (specialized); 长 = 长 (long, strength)

Meaning

Specialty; expertise; strong suit. A particular skill or area of knowledge one excels in.

Refers to a person's area of professional expertise or exceptional ability. Often used in job applications, introductions, and discussions of capabilities. Similar to 特长 but more formal and professional.

Examples

1. 他的专长是软件开发。 His specialty is software development.
2. 每位员工都有自己的专长。 Every employee has their own area of expertise.
3. 请问您的专长是什么? May I ask what your specialty is?

Usage Guide

Context: professional, job applications, academic

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 发挥你的专长，为项目做出贡献。(Utilize your expertise to contribute to the project.)
• 面试时要充分展示自己的专长。(Fully demonstrate your expertise during the interview.)

Don't Say

• 我的专长是睡觉 — too trivial; 专长 refers to serious professional skills

Origin & History

专 (specialized, exclusive) + 长 (strength, good at)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal