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March 24, 2026
专(專)zhuān(zhuan1)
The character 专 (zhuān) signifies a focus on a particular subject, person, or purpose. It is commonly used to describe expertise in a specific area or to indicate that something is specialized or concentrated. In various contexts, it can imply a sense of exclusivity or dedication to a task.
Strokes4Radical一Frequency#5177DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of specializing is highly valued, particularly in education and professions. For instance, specialized fields like medicine and engineering are often regarded with great respect, reflecting the emphasis on expertise.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person with a giant magnifying glass (the radical '专' resembles a focused lens) concentrating on a tiny detail. This visual helps remember that 专 means to specialize or focus intensely on something.
Meanings of 专
zhuān(zhuan1)
1for a particular person, occasion, purpose
2focused on one thing
Exercise 1 of 3
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About 专
专Simplified
專Traditional
4Strokes
一Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5177Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 专
Podcast: 专
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AI Study Notes for 专
Quick Contrast
专 (zhuān) vs 特 (tè) — use 专 for emphasis on specialization in a field, while 特 indicates something that is special or distinct.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a giant magnifying glass (the radical '专' resembles a focused lens) concentrating on a tiny detail. This visual helps remember that 专 means to specialize or focus intensely on something.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 专 with similar characters that indicate generality. Make sure to use 专 in contexts where specificity or expertise is required, such as 专家 (expert) or 专门 (specialized). Also, be cautious with tone; the first tone is crucial.
HSK Study Tips
Although 专 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is essential for learners aiming for intermediate proficiency. It connects well with terms such as 专业 (major or profession) and 专心 (to concentrate), which are useful in academic and professional settings. Focus on recognizing its use in various phrases.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of specializing is highly valued, particularly in education and professions. For instance, specialized fields like medicine and engineering are often regarded with great respect, reflecting the emphasis on expertise.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 专 in general contexts where a more general term would suffice, such as saying 专的事情 (zhuān de shìqíng) instead of simply 事情 (shìqíng) when referring to 'things' in general. Always assess if a specific focus is necessary.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 专
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Depicts a hand (寸) spinning a wheel (叀). Based on the original meaning "turn", now written as 轉. The current meaning is a phonetic loan. The simplified character 专 was adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 專.
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Grammar Patterns of 专
专 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 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.
The royalties enabled the inventor to re-establish himself in business.
10
教育部为这所新学校划拨了600万英镑的专款。
jiào yù bù wéi zhè suǒ xīn xué xiào huá bō le600 600 wàn yīng bàng de zhuān。
The education department has earmarked £6m for the new school.
Cultural Notes for 专
💡Did you know?
The character '专' is often used in contexts related to expertise and specialization, reflecting the value of mastering a particular skill or field in Chinese culture. In modern society, being a '专家' (expert) is highly respected.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of specializing is highly valued, particularly in education and professions. For instance, specialized fields like medicine and engineering are often regarded with great respect, reflecting the emphasis on expertise.
📜Proverb
There's a Chinese saying: '专心致志' (focus wholeheartedly), which emphasizes the importance of concentration and dedication in achieving success.
Word Family of 专
Compounds4
转zhuai3to convey
传chuan2to pass on
砖zhuan1variant of 甎
抟tuan2to roll around in one's hand; to model
Words Containing This Character20
专家zhuānjiāexpert專家
专业zhuānyèspecialty專業
专门zhuānménspecialist專門
专辑zhuānjíalbum專輯
专zhuānspecial專
专心zhuānxīnto concentrate專心
专用zhuānyòngspecial專用
专利zhuānlìpatent專利
专注zhuānzhùconcentrated專注
专项special專項
专题zhuāntíarticle, report or program etc on a specific topic專題
专栏zhuānlánspecial column專欄
专长zhuānchángspecialty專長
专访special interview專訪
专程zhuānchéngspecifically專程
专科specialized subject專科
专政dictatorship專政
专卖店zhuānmàidiànspecialty store專賣店
专职zhuānzhíspecial duty專職
专柜zhuānguìsales counter dedicated to a certain kind of product (e.g. alcohol)專櫃
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 转 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 专
Some synonyms for 专 (zhuān) in Chinese include 特别 (tèbié), meaning 'particularly,' and 专业 (zhuānyè), which means 'profession' or 'specialty.' These words also imply a level of focus and specialization.
专 (zhuān) can be used in various contexts, such as in '专注' (zhuānzhù), meaning 'to concentrate,' or in '专利' (zhuānlì), which means 'patent.' Its usage often signifies exclusivity or specialization in a particular area.
专 (zhuān) means 'special' or 'focused on one thing' in Chinese. It can refer to being an expert in a particular field or being dedicated to a specific purpose or occasion. The character emphasizes concentration and exclusivity in context.
You can use 专 (zhuān) to describe someone who is an expert by saying '他是一个专门的医生' (Tā shì yīgè zhuānmén de yīshēng), which means 'He is a specialized doctor.' It can also be used to indicate focus, such as '我专心学习汉语' (Wǒ zhuānxīn xuéxí hànyǔ), meaning 'I am focused on learning Chinese.'
You can say '他是一个数学专家' (Tā shì yī gè shùxué zhuānjiā) meaning 'He is a mathematics expert.'
Common phrases include 专门 (specialized) and 专业 (profession or major).
Yes, 专 can be used informally, but ensure the context still requires a focus or specialization.
