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A2 noun 9 min read

特长

tècháng
Examples 特长 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 特长 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just beginning to describe yourself and others. While '特长' (tècháng) might seem a bit advanced, it is very useful for simple self-introductions. At this stage, you can think of it as a way to say 'the thing I am very good at.' You will mostly use it in the pattern '我的特长是...' (My special skill is...). For example, '我的特长是游泳' (My special skill is swimming). Even if you don't use the word yourself, you might hear a teacher or a new friend ask you '你有什么特长？' (What special skills do you have?). Learning this word early helps you move beyond basic 'I like' (我喜欢) sentences to 'I am good at' sentences. Focus on pairing it with simple hobbies like singing, dancing, or sports. It is a great way to make your basic Chinese sound more structured and impressive to native speakers.
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At the A2 level, you can start to use '特长' (tècháng) in more varied sentence structures. You should be able to use the prepositional phrase '在...方面' (in the aspect of...) to specify where your talent lies. For instance, '他在体育方面很有特长' (He has a lot of talent in sports). At this level, you are learning to provide more detail about people's abilities. You will encounter this word in simple reading passages about famous people or in school-related dialogues. You should also understand the difference between a general 'merit' (优点 - yōudiǎn) and a specific 'skill' (特长). If someone asks about your strengths in a simple interview or a club application, '特长' is the correct word to use. You might also start to see it combined with other words, like '特长生' (specialty student), which is a common term in Chinese school culture. Practice using it to describe your friends and family members to gain confidence.
By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '特长' (tècháng) in professional and social contexts. You can discuss the process of developing a talent using verbs like '培养' (péiyǎng - to cultivate) or '发挥' (fāhuī - to bring into play). For example, '我们应该从小培养孩子的特长' (We should cultivate children's special talents from a young age). You will find this word frequently in job advertisements, where employers list the '特长' they are looking for in candidates. You should also be able to compare '特长' with similar words like '技能' (jìnéng - technical skill) and '优势' (yōushì - advantage). At this stage, you can use the word to talk about more abstract skills, such as 'communication skills' (沟通特长) or 'leadership' (领导特长). You are also expected to understand the cultural importance of having a 'specialty' in the competitive Chinese job market and education system, where being a 'specialist' is often highly rewarded.
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At the B2 level, '特长' (tècháng) becomes a tool for more nuanced discussion about human potential and organizational management. you will use it to describe how a team can be optimized by '发挥每个人的特长' (giving play to everyone's strengths). You should be able to use the word in formal reports or essays. For instance, you might write about how '教育不应该只看分数，更要发现学生的特长' (Education should not just look at grades, but rather discover students' special talents). You will also encounter the word in more complex idiomatic expressions or as part of compound nouns in academic or business Chinese. Your understanding of the word should now include its limitations—knowing when to use '专业' (profession) versus '特长' (skill) to avoid sounding imprecise. You can also discuss the social pressure associated with '特长,' such as the 'arms race' among parents to ensure their children have multiple '特长' to succeed in school admissions.
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At the C1 level, your use of '特长' (tècháng) should be sophisticated and contextually perfect. You might use it to analyze the 'special characteristics' of a literary work or an artistic style, although other terms like '特色' (tèsè) are more common for objects. However, when discussing the 'human element' in complex systems, '特长' remains vital. You will be able to debate the merits of 'generalist' versus 'specialist' career paths, using '特长' to describe the deep expertise of the specialist. You should also be familiar with related formal idioms like '一技之长' (a specialized skill) and how they function in high-level discourse. Your listening comprehension should allow you to pick up on the subtle implications when a speaker uses '特长' to either praise someone's unique value or, conversely, to suggest that someone only has one narrow skill. You can use the word to discuss psychological concepts like 'multiple intelligences' (多元智能), linking them to the Chinese concept of 'individual specialties.'
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At the C2 level, '特长' (tècháng) is a word you use with total ease and precision, often in philosophical or highly strategic contexts. You might use it in a speech about national development, discussing how a country should leverage its 'special strengths' (national-level 特长) in the global market. You understand the historical evolution of the term and how it reflects changing Chinese social values—from the collective focus of the past to the more individualistic 'talent-oriented' focus of the present. You can use the word in sophisticated wordplay or irony, and you have a deep grasp of its synonyms in classical Chinese. Your writing will use '特长' to build complex arguments about human resource optimization, educational reform, or personal self-actualization. You are not just using a word; you are wielding a concept that connects individual ability to social utility, and you can navigate the most formal or the most colloquial environments where this word might appear without hesitation.
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Examples

特长 in 30 Seconds

  • 特长 (tècháng) means a special skill, forte, or strong point that an individual possesses.
  • It is commonly used in school admissions, job interviews, and when describing personal hobbies.
  • The word focuses on specific abilities like music or sports rather than general personality traits.
  • It is a key term in Chinese education, often referring to students with specialized artistic or athletic talents.

The Chinese word 特长 (tècháng) is a foundational noun in the Mandarin language that encapsulates the concept of a person's unique strengths, particular aptitudes, or specialized talents. To understand this word deeply, one must look at its constituent characters. The first character, 特 (tè), signifies something special, unique, or exceptional, as seen in words like 特别 (tèbié - special). The second character, 长 (cháng), while often meaning 'long' in a physical sense, here refers to a 'strong point' or 'length of ability'—a metaphorical extension suggesting that this is where a person's capability extends further than others. When combined, 特长 literally translates to a 'special length,' which the Chinese mind interprets as a 'specialty' or 'forte.'

Common Context: Education
In the Chinese education system, the term is frequently used to identify students who possess exceptional skills in arts, sports, or music. These students are often referred to as 特长生 (tèchángshēng), and their specialized abilities can sometimes grant them preferential treatment in school admissions.
Common Context: Employment
When filling out a resume (简历 - jiǎnlì) or participating in a job interview, a candidate will almost certainly be asked about their 特长. In this professional setting, it refers to technical skills or soft skills that distinguish the applicant from the competition.

People use this word when they want to highlight a specific area of excellence rather than a general positive trait. For example, being 'kind' is a 优点 (yōudiǎn - merit/virtue), but being 'an expert at Python programming' or 'a concert pianist' is a 特长. It implies a level of proficiency that has been developed through either innate talent or rigorous practice. It is a word that carries a sense of pride and identity, often used to define what makes an individual unique in a social or professional collective.

他在绘画方面有突出的特长。(He has an outstanding special talent in painting.)

Furthermore, the usage of 特长 extends to social introductions. In ice-breaking activities or hobby clubs, asking '你有那些特长？' (What are your special skills?) is a standard way to get to know someone's capabilities. It invites the listener to share something they are proud of, whether it is cooking, calligraphy, or marathon running. The word suggests a certain 'edge' or 'advantage' (优势 - yōushì) that the person holds. In modern digital culture, having a 'niche' skill is highly valued, and 特长 is the perfect word to describe that specialized prowess that sets one apart in a crowded world.

Using 特长 (tècháng) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically pairs with. Because it represents an abstract quality or skill, it often functions as the object of a sentence or as part of a descriptive phrase indicating a domain of expertise.

Pattern 1: Have a talent in [Area]
The most common structure is 在 [Domain] 方面有特长 (zài ... fāngmiàn yǒu tècháng). For example, '他在数学方面有特长' means 'He has a special talent in mathematics.'
Pattern 2: [Activity] is one's talent
You can use it as a predicate: [Activity] 是我的特长. For example, '唱歌是我的特长' means 'Singing is my specialty.'

公司需要发挥每个员工的特长。(The company needs to give play to every employee's strengths.)

Notice the verb 发挥 (fāhuī) in the example above. This is a very common collocation meaning 'to bring into play' or 'to give full expression to.' When you have a talent, you don't just 'use' it; you 'fāhuī' it to achieve a result. Another important verb is 培养 (péiyǎng), meaning 'to cultivate' or 'to develop.' Parents in China often say they want to '培养孩子的特长' (cultivate their child's special talents), which involves enrolling them in extracurricular classes.

In more formal or academic writing, you might see 特长 used to describe the unique characteristics of a system or a species, though this is less common than the human-centric usage. For example, '这种植物的特长是耐旱' (The special strength of this plant is drought resistance). However, at the A2 and B1 levels, focusing on personal skills is the most productive path. When describing someone who lacks any particular skill, you might say '他没有什么特别的特长' (He doesn't have any particular special skills), which is a common way to express modesty or a lack of specialized training.

请在申请表上写下你的个人特长。(Please write down your personal strengths on the application form.)

You will encounter 特长 (tècháng) in a variety of real-world scenarios in Chinese-speaking environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word's social weight and frequency.

Job Interviews (面试 - miànshì)
This is perhaps the most high-stakes environment for the word. An interviewer might ask: '你觉得你最大的特长是什么？' (What do you think is your greatest strength?). Here, they are looking for a skill that provides value to the company.
Talent Shows and Competitions
On television shows like 'China's Got Talent' (中国达人秀), judges often discuss the 特长 of the contestants. It emphasizes the 'extraordinary' nature of the performance.

作为一名特长生，她每天都要花四个小时练习小提琴。(As a specialty student, she has to spend four hours every day practicing the violin.)

In schools, teachers use this word during parent-teacher conferences to highlight a student's potential. If a child is struggling in math but excels in sports, the teacher might say, '虽然他的数学一般，但在体育方面很有特长' (Although his math is average, he has a great talent in sports). This helps balance criticism with encouragement. You will also see this word on official documents, such as membership forms for clubs or community centers, where there is often a blank space labeled '特长' for you to fill in.

Socially, when friends are planning a party or an event, they might ask about each other's 特长 to delegate tasks. '你有什么特长？你会做饭吗？' (What are your skills? Can you cook?). In this sense, the word is very practical. It helps people identify how they can contribute to a group effort. Whether you are in a boardroom or a classroom, 特长 is the go-to word for defining what you are uniquely good at.

While 特长 (tècháng) seems straightforward, English speakers often make several nuanced errors when translating or using it in context. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Strength' (特长) with 'Merit' (优点)
A common error is using 特长 to describe personality traits. If you say 'My 特长 is being honest,' it sounds strange. Honesty is a 优点 (yōudiǎn)—a moral merit or positive trait. 特长 must be a skill or ability, like 'My 特长 is public speaking.'
Mistake 2: Using it for 'Specialty Food'
In English, we use 'specialty' for a famous local product or a dish. In Chinese, this is 特产 (tèchǎn) or 特色菜 (tèsè cài). Using 特长 to describe a famous local spicy tofu will result in confusion.

Incorrect: 这种苹果是这里的特长。
Correct: 这种苹果是这里的特产。(This kind of apple is a local specialty.)

Another mistake involves the intensity of the word. Some learners use 特长 for things they are merely 'okay' at. However, 特长 implies a level of mastery or at least a distinct advantage over the average person. If you can just barely play three chords on a guitar, it is better to say '我会一点吉他' (I can play a little guitar) rather than '我的特长是吉他'.

Finally, watch out for the word 专业 (zhuānyè). As mentioned before, 专业 refers to your professional field or major. You can have a 特长 that is part of your 专业, but they are not interchangeable. For example, 'My major is Computer Science, and my special talent is algorithmic optimization.' In Chinese: '我的专业是计算机，我的特长是算法优化.'

To truly master 特长 (tècháng), you should understand how it compares to its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' and register that dictates when it should be used.

特长 vs. 技能 (jìnéng)
特长 emphasizes a person's individual talent or 'strong point,' often implying something they are naturally good at or have specialized in deeply. 技能 refers more broadly to 'skills' or 'technical abilities' acquired through training, like 'driving' or 'typing.'
特长 vs. 优点 (yōudiǎn)
特长 is a specific skill (e.g., playing chess). 优点 is a general merit or positive quality (e.g., being punctual, being kind, being hard-working).
特长 vs. 拿手 (náshǒu)
拿手 is an adjective meaning 'adept' or 'good at.' You might say '这是我的拿手好戏' (This is my specialty/masterpiece). While 特长 is more formal and used as a noun, 拿手 is often used in casual conversation to describe things you can do well, like cooking a specific dish.

Comparison Example:
1. 他的特长是编程。(His special talent is programming.)
2. 他的优点是细心。(His merit is being meticulous.)

In more literary or informal contexts, you might hear 一技之长 (yī jì zhī cháng), which is an idiom meaning 'a single skill that one is good at.' This is often used when talking about survival or making a living: '只要有一技之长，就不怕找不到工作' (As long as you have one special skill, you don't need to worry about finding a job). There is also 绝活 (juéhuó), which refers to a unique, often secret, or highly difficult skill that others cannot easily replicate, like a master craftsman's unique technique.

Lastly, consider 天赋 (tiānfù), which means 'innate talent' or 'gift.' While 特长 can be developed, 天赋 implies you were born with it. One might say '他有绘画的特长' (He has a talent for painting), and then add '这源于他的天赋' (This stems from his innate gift). Understanding these distinctions will allow you to describe human capability with the precision of a native speaker.

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese, '长' (cháng) often referred to the distance of a weapon's reach. Having a 'long' reach was a physical advantage, which eventually evolved into the metaphorical 'strength' or 'talent' we see in '特长' today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʰɤ̂ tʂʰǎŋ/
US /tʰɤ̂ tʂʰǎŋ/
In Mandarin, syllables generally have equal weight, but the fourth tone on 'tè' gives it a slightly more forceful onset.
Rhymes With
场 (chǎng) 唱 (chàng) 常 (cháng) 偿 (cháng) 肠 (cháng) 尝 (cháng) 厂商 (chǎngshāng) 广场 (guǎngchǎng)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'cháng' as 'zhǎng' (third tone), which changes the meaning to 'grow' or 'leader'.
  • Failing to aspirate the 't' in 'tè', making it sound like 'dè'.
  • Using a flat tone for 'cháng', which makes it sound like 'factory' (厂 - chǎng) if the tone is wrong.
  • Mispronouncing the 'e' in 'te' as 'ee' or 'ay'.
  • Dropping the nasal 'ng' sound at the end of 'cháng'.
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Examples by Level

1

我的特长是画画。

My special skill is drawing.

Subject + 是 + Noun (特长).

2

他没有什么特长。

He doesn't have any special skills.

Using 没有 (méiyǒu) to negate possession of a talent.

3

你会什么特长？

What special skills do you have?

Question form using 什么 (shénme).

4

唱歌是她的特长。

Singing is her specialty.

The skill (唱歌) acts as the subject here.

5

老师问我的特长。

The teacher asked about my special talent.

特长 used as the object of the verb 问 (wèn).

6

我有一个特长。

I have one special talent.

Using the measure word 个 (gè) with 特长.

7

你的特长很棒！

Your special talent is great!

Adjective description: 特长 + 很 + Adjective.

8

我们班有很多特长生。

Our class has many specialty students.

特长生 (tèchángshēng) is a compound noun.

1

他在运动方面很有特长。

He has a lot of talent in sports.

The pattern '在...方面' (in the aspect of) is used for specification.

2

请写下你的特长。

Please write down your special skills.

Formal request using 请 (qǐng).

3

我的特长是弹钢琴。

My specialty is playing the piano.

A2 learners use specific verbs like 弹 (tán) with the talent.

4

她从小就有音乐特长。

She has had a musical talent since she was a child.

Using 从小 (cóngxiǎo) to indicate duration since childhood.

5

这个工作需要什么特长？

What special skills does this job require?

Using 需要 (xūyào - to need/require).

6

我没有音乐特长，但我会跳舞。

I don't have musical talent, but I can dance.

Contrast using 但 (dàn - but).

7

他的特长对这个项目很有用。

His special skill is very useful for this project.

Subject + 对...有用 (useful for...).

8

每个人都有自己的特长。

Everyone has their own special talent.

Using 自己 (zìjǐ - own).

1

公司想招聘有计算机特长的人。

The company wants to recruit people with computer skills.

Using 招聘 (zhāopìn - to recruit).

2

你应该发挥你的特长。

You should give play to your strengths.

Collocation: 发挥 (fāhuī) + 特长.

3

他在简历上写了很多特长。

He wrote many special skills on his resume.

Context: Resume (简历).

4

培养特长需要很长时间。

Cultivating a special talent takes a long time.

Collocation: 培养 (péiyǎng) + 特长.

5

除了英语，你还有别的特长吗？

Besides English, do you have any other special skills?

Structure: 除了...还... (Besides... also...).

6

他的特长帮助他得到了这份工作。

His special talent helped him get this job.

Subject (特长) + 帮助 (bāngzhù) + Object.

7

虽然他很努力，但他没有艺术特长。

Although he works hard, he has no artistic talent.

Complex contrast sentence.

8

面试官问我最大的特长是什么。

The interviewer asked me what my greatest strength is.

Superlative: 最大的 (zuì dà de).

1

管理者应该善于发现员工的特长。

Managers should be good at discovering employees' strengths.

Using 善于 (shànyú - be good at).

2

这种教育模式有利于学生发展特长。

This education model is conducive to students developing their talents.

Using 有利于 (yǒulìyú - be beneficial to).

3

他不仅有技术特长，还有管理能力。

He not only has technical skills but also management ability.

Structure: 不仅...还... (not only... but also...).

4

我们要充分发挥自己的特长来解决问题。

We must fully utilize our strengths to solve problems.

Adverbial: 充分 (chōngfèn - fully).

5

在这个竞争激烈的社会，有一技之长很重要。

In this highly competitive society, having a specialized skill is very important.

Idiomatic usage: 一技之长 (yī jì zhī cháng).

6

她的语言特长使她在外交工作中表现出色。

Her linguistic talent made her perform excellently in diplomatic work.

Resultative structure using 使 (shǐ - make/cause).

7

学校设立了特长班来培养优秀人才。

The school established specialty classes to cultivate outstanding talents.

Compound: 特长班 (tèchángbān).

8

他的特长在关键时刻派上了用场。

His special skill came in handy at a critical moment.

Phrase: 派上用场 (pài shàng yòngchǎng - come in handy).

1

每个人都应在社会分工中找准自己的特长。

Everyone should identify their own strengths within the social division of labor.

Formal term: 社会分工 (shèhuì fāngōng).

2

他那种独特的幽默感也是一种社交特长。

That unique sense of humor of his is also a kind of social talent.

Abstract usage of 特长.

3

这种算法的特长在于处理海量数据。

The strength of this algorithm lies in processing massive amounts of data.

Technical usage for non-human subjects: 在于 (zàiyú - lies in).

4

我们不能因为追求全面发展而忽视了特长的培养。

We cannot neglect the cultivation of special talents due to the pursuit of well-rounded development.

Complex logical structure: 不能因为...而... (cannot... because...).

5

他虽然博学，但似乎缺乏一门突出的特长。

Although he is learned, he seems to lack a single outstanding specialty.

Contrast between 博学 (learned) and 特长.

6

特长生的选拔标准近年来发生了很大变化。

The selection criteria for specialty students have undergone significant changes in recent years.

Subject: 选拔标准 (xuǎnbá biāozhǔn - selection criteria).

7

在艺术创作中，个性往往就是作者的特长。

In artistic creation, individuality is often the author's special strength.

Philosophical identification of personality as talent.

8

他充分利用了自己的专业特长，为公司创造了巨大价值。

He made full use of his professional expertise to create great value for the company.

Compound: 专业特长 (zhuānyè tècháng).

1

这种制度的特长在于它能最大限度地激发人的潜能。

The special strength of this system lies in its ability to stimulate human potential to the maximum extent.

Using 激发 (jīfā - stimulate) and 潜能 (qiánnéng - potential).

2

他以其深厚的文学特长，在文坛独树一帜。

With his profound literary talent, he has established a unique style in the literary world.

Idiom: 独树一帜 (dú shù yī zhì - fly a unique banner).

3

所谓的特长，往往是长期刻苦练习与天赋的结合。

So-called special talents are often the combination of long-term hard practice and innate gift.

Defining the concept using 所谓的 (suǒwèide).

4

在全球化背景下，国家应当培育具有核心竞争力的产业特长。

In the context of globalization, a country should cultivate industrial specialties with core competitiveness.

Political and economic register.

5

他的特长不仅在于技艺的精湛，更在于其深邃的思想。

His specialty lies not only in the exquisiteness of his craft but more so in his profound thoughts.

Refined contrast using 精湛 (jīngzhàn) and 深邃 (shēnsuì).

6

我们应当警惕那种为了迎合考试而功利化培养特长的倾向。

We should be wary of the tendency to cultivate special talents in a utilitarian way just to cater to exams.

Critical tone using 警惕 (jǐngtì - be wary of).

7

他的表演特长在这一角色中得到了淋漓尽致的展现。

His acting talent was displayed to the fullest in this role.

Idiom: 淋漓尽致 (línlí jìnzhì - thoroughly/to the fullest).

8

真正的特长应当是能够跨越文化边界，引起普遍共鸣的。

True special talents should be able to cross cultural boundaries and evoke universal resonance.

Universalist philosophical statement.

Common Collocations

发挥特长
培养特长
艺术特长
体育特长
突出特长
个人特长
专业特长
发现特长
展示特长
发展特长

Common Phrases

特长生

— A student with a special talent (often in arts or sports) who may get admission benefits.

他是作为体育特长生进入这所大学的。

一技之长

— A professional skill; a specialty that helps one make a living.

出门在外，总要有一技之长。

没有特长

— Lacking any particular special skill or talent.

我觉得自己很普通，没有什么特长。

特长班

— Special classes designed to train students in specific skills like music or dance.

周末她要去上钢琴特长班。

发挥长处

— Similar to 发挥特长, meaning to use one's strengths to the fullest.

在这个团队里，每个人都能发挥长处。

技术特长

— Specialized technical skills, often used in IT or engineering contexts.

他的技术特长在于网络安全。

音乐特长

— Special talent in music, such as playing instruments or singing.

她从小就有很强的音乐特长。

绘画特长

— Special talent in drawing or painting.

他的绘画特长让他赢得了比赛。

语言特长

— Special talent for learning or using languages.

她的语言特长对外交官工作很有帮助。

数学特长

— Special aptitude for mathematics.

数学特长生通常参加奥数比赛。

Idioms & Expressions

"一技之长"

— Literally 'one skill long.' It refers to having a specialized skill that makes one useful or employable.

在现代社会，拥有一技之长非常重要。

Neutral
"各有所长"

— Each has their own strong points or specialties.

虽然他们性格不同，但各有所长。

Neutral
"扬长避短"

— To play up one's strengths and avoid one's weaknesses.

我们在制定计划时要扬长避短。

Formal
"取长补短"

— To learn from others' strong points to offset one's own weaknesses.

夫妻之间应该取长补短，共同进步。

Neutral
"尺有所短，寸有所长"

— Literally 'a foot has its short spots, an inch has its long spots.' Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

不要自卑，因为尺有所短，寸有所长。

Literary
"精益求精"

— To keep improving one's skill, even if it is already excellent.

他在木工特长上精益求精。

Formal
"出类拔萃"

— To stand out from the crowd; to be outstanding in one's specialty.

他在钢琴方面的特长使他出类拔萃。

Literary
"炉火纯青"

— To reach a high level of technical proficiency or mastery in a skill.

他的书法特长已经达到了炉火纯青的地步。

Literary
"登峰造极"

— To reach the peak of perfection in a particular skill or talent.

他在烹饪特长上的造诣可谓登峰造极。

Literary
"独具匠心"

— To show ingenuity or unique creativity in a craft or skill.

他的设计特长体现了独具匠心。

Literary

Word Family

Nouns

特长 (specialty)
长处 (strength)
特长生 (specialty student)

Verbs

发挥 (to give play to)
培养 (to cultivate)
擅长 (to be good at)

Adjectives

特别 (special)
长 (long)

Related

优点
技能
天赋
才华
优势
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Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '特' (tè) originally depicted a bull (ox + temple/office), signifying a unique or sacrificial animal, later evolving to mean 'special.' '长' (cháng) originally depicted a person with long hair, signifying 'length' or 'elder/leader,' later evolving to mean 'strong point.'

Original meaning: Special strength or unique length of ability.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)
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