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March 24, 2026
拿手náshǒu(na2shou3)
拿手 (ná shǒu) refers to being highly skilled or adept at something, often implying a level of expertise that is recognized by others. It is commonly used in contexts where someone's proficiency or talent in a specific area, such as cooking or sports, is acknowledged.
Frequency#6975DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 拿手 at a craft or skill is often associated with respect and admiration, particularly in culinary arts and traditional crafts. The acknowledgment of one’s expertise can significantly enhance social standing.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef who has their hands (手) ready to 'take' (拿) on any culinary challenge. Visualize them confidently preparing a dish, showcasing their skills—this scene helps you remember that 拿手 means to be skilled or an expert.
Meanings of 拿手
náshǒu(na2shou3)
1expert in
2good at
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 拿手
拿手Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6975Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 拿手
Podcast: 拿手
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AI Study Notes for 拿手
Quick Contrast
拿手 (ná shǒu) vs 擅长 (shàn cháng) — use 拿手 when emphasizing recognized skill or expertise in a specific area, while 擅长 is broader and can refer to general proficiency.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a chef who has their hands (手) ready to 'take' (拿) on any culinary challenge. Visualize them confidently preparing a dish, showcasing their skills—this scene helps you remember that 拿手 means to be skilled or an expert.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 拿手 with similar terms like 擅长 (shàn cháng), which also means 'to be good at' but often implies practice rather than innate skill. This term is more informal and commonly used in everyday conversations rather than in formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 拿手 connects with other advanced vocabulary that describes abilities and talents. Focus on using it in context with other expressions of skill, such as 能力 (néng lì, ability) and 经验 (jīng yàn, experience), to enhance your fluency.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being 拿手 at a craft or skill is often associated with respect and admiration, particularly in culinary arts and traditional crafts. The acknowledgment of one’s expertise can significantly enhance social standing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 拿手 with the word 能力 (néng lì), which means 'ability' but does not imply expertise. For example, saying '他有能力做这件事' (Tā yǒu néng lì zuò zhè jiàn shì) is correct, but saying '他很拿手这件事' (Tā hěn ná shǒu zhè jiàn shì) sounds awkward; it should be '他在这件事上很拿手'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 拿手
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Grammar Patterns of 拿手
拿手 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
做你____的事情，不要勉为其难。
Do what you know you can do well and don't overstretch yourself.
Example Sentences for 拿手 (5)
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1
做你拿手的事情，不要勉为其难。
zuò nǐ ná shǒu de shì qíng， ， bù yào miǎn wéi qí。
Do what you know you can do well and don't overstretch yourself.
We must be as impersonal as a surgeon with his knife.
4
好. 开始做我拿手的感恩节苹果派.
hǎo. . kāi shǐ zuò wǒ ná shǒu de gǎn ēn jié píng guǒ.
OK. The beginning of my famous Thanksgiving apple pie.
5
我建议您点厨师的拿手菜: 川式酸辣汤.
wǒ jiàn yì nín diǎn chú shī de ná shǒu cài: : chuān shì suān là.
I'd suggest the chef's delight: sour soup sichuan style.
Cultural Notes for 拿手
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being 拿手 at a craft or skill is often associated with respect and admiration, particularly in culinary arts and traditional crafts. The acknowledgment of one’s expertise can significantly enhance social standing.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拿手
Yes, 拿手 can describe someone who is good at something, but it's more commonly used to imply a higher level of skill or expertise.
Yes, 拿手 is generally used in a positive context to highlight someone’s strengths or talents.
You can say, '他对音乐很拿手' (Tā duì yīnyuè hěn náshǒu), meaning 'He is very skilled at music.'
