专

專/耑

zhuān

Definitions

zhuān (adjective) specialized; professional

zhuān (verb) to focus on; to concentrate on

zhuān (noun) specialty

Etymology

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.

About

The character 专 comes from the traditional form 專, which combines 叀 (a spindle or spinning wheel) with 寸 (a hand applying control). Its original meaning centers on the focused, manual action of spinning thread, demanding undivided attention. This association with singular focus led to extended meanings like specialization, expertise, and exclusivity, forming the basis for terms denoting professional majors, designated experts, and specialized subjects.

Etymology Hide

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze Early Spring and Autumn (~700 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他专门学习中文。

Tā zhuānmén xuéxí Zhōngwén.

He specially studies Chinese.

我有专业的知识。

Wǒ yǒu zhuānyè de zhīshì.

I have professional knowledge.

她专心做作业。

Tā zhuānxīn zuò zuòyè.

She concentrates on doing homework.

这是专用设备。

Zhè shì zhuānyòng shèbèi.

This is dedicated equipment.

我们需要专家帮助。

Wǒmen xūyào zhuānjiā bāngzhù.

We need expert help.

他专注于科学研究。

Tā zhuānzhù yú kēxué yánjiū.

He focuses on scientific research.

公司设立了专门部门。

Gōngsī shèlì le zhuānmén bùmén.

The company established a specialized department.

这本专辑专门收集了民歌。

Zhè běn zhuānjí zhuānmén shōují le míngē.

This album specially collects folk songs.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 专

专