擅

shàn

亶 + 扌

Definitions

shàn (verb) to be good at; to excel in

shàn (verb) to act without authority; to usurp

shàn (verb) to monopolize

Etymology phono-semantic

hand

Semantic: 扌 Phonetic: 亶

About

擅 is a phono-semantic compound that denotes taking control, acting without authorization, or possessing specific expertise. The semantic hand radical 扌 on the left suggests grasping or taking hold of a situation, while the right-side component 亶 provides the pronunciation. Historically, the character strongly conveyed monopolizing power or usurping authority without permission. Over time, its meaning shifted to also describe personal mastery or proficiency in a skill, implying complete command over a discipline.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他擅长画画。

Tā shàncháng huà huà.

He is good at drawing.

请不要擅自离开教室。

Qǐng bùyào shànzì líkāi jiàoshì.

Please do not leave the classroom without permission.

他擅自使用了公司的电脑。

Tā shànzì shǐyòngle gōngsī de diànnǎo.

He used the company's computer without authorization.

这个部门擅于处理客户投诉。

Zhège bùmén shàn yú chǔlǐ kèhù tóusù.

This department is adept at handling customer complaints.

任何队员不得擅自更改比赛策略。

Rènhé duìyuán bùdé shànzì gēnggǎi bǐsài cèlüè.

No team member is allowed to change the competition strategy without permission.

她因为擅自改动文件受到了批评。

Tā yīnwèi shànzì gǎidòng wénjiàn shòudàole pīpíng.

She was criticized for altering the document without permission.

这种植物擅于在干旱环境中生存。

Zhè zhǒng zhíwù shàn yú zài gānhàn huánjìng zhōng shēngcún.

This type of plant is good at surviving in arid environments.

该行为已构成擅用他人名义的侵权行为。

Gāi xíngwéi yǐ gòuchéng shànyòng tārén míngyì de qīnquán xíngwéi.

This act constitutes an infringement of unauthorized use of another person's name.

Related Characters

Component: 亶

Component: 扌

擅