Overview
The Chinese word '传授' (chuánshòu) is a verb that means 'to impart,' 'to teach,' or 'to pass on' knowledge, skills, or experiences, particularly from an older generation or a more experienced person to a younger or less experienced one. It often implies a structured or deliberate transfer of wisdom, techniques, or information, with the intention that the recipient will learn and apply it.
**Breaking Down the Characters:**
- 传 (chuán): This character primarily means 'to transmit,' 'to pass on,' 'to spread,' or 'to deliver.' It conveys the idea of something moving from one place or person to another.
- 授 (shòu): This character means 'to grant,' 'to confer,' 'to give,' or 'to teach.' It emphasizes the act of bestowing or imparting something, often knowledge or authority.
Together, '传授' vividly describes the act of transmitting knowledge or skills in a teaching capacity. It's a more formal and profound term than simply '教' (jiāo), which means 'to teach' in a general sense. While '教' can apply to any teaching situation, '传授' often carries a connotation of tradition, legacy, and the careful passing down of valuable expertise.
'传授' is commonly used when discussing:
- Academic or Specialized Knowledge: A professor '传授' knowledge to students, or a master craftsman '传授' their techniques to apprentices.
- Cultural Heritage or Traditions: Elders '传授' family traditions, historical stories, or cultural practices to the younger generation.
- Life Skills or Wisdom: Parents or mentors '传授' life lessons, moral principles, or practical wisdom.
- Martial Arts or Artistic Skills: A martial arts master '传授' their unique fighting style, or an artist '传授' their painting techniques.
**Nuances and Implications:**
- Intentionality: The act of '传授' is usually intentional and often involves a structured process, even if informal.
- Value and Respect: The knowledge or skill being imparted is typically considered valuable and worthy of respect. The act itself implies respect from the giver to the receiver, and often the receiver to the giver.
- Legacy and Continuity: It suggests a connection to the past and an effort to ensure continuity, preventing valuable knowledge or skills from being lost.
- Effort from both sides: While the focus is on the imparting, it also implies that the recipient is actively learning and absorbing.
**Examples:**
- 老师向学生传授知识。(Lǎoshī xiàng xuéshēng chuánshòu zhīshì.) - The teacher imparts knowledge to the students.
- 他向年轻一代传授了宝贵的经验。(Tā xiàng niánqīng yīdài chuánshòule bǎoguì de jīngyàn.) - He passed on valuable experience to the younger generation.
- 武术大师传授了徒弟们一套独特的拳法。(Wǔshù dàshī chuánshòule túdìmen yī tào dútè de quánfǎ.) - The martial arts master taught his apprentices a unique set of boxing techniques.
In essence, '传授' is about more than just teaching; it's about the deliberate and often profound transfer of something valuable from one person to another, ensuring its preservation and continuation.
Examples
老师傅向徒弟传授手艺。
Traditional craftsmanshipThe master craftsman imparts his skills to his apprentice.
他乐于向年轻人传授经验。
MentorshipHe is happy to impart his experience to young people.
这部电影传授给我们很多关于历史的知识。
Learning from mediaThis movie teaches us a lot about history.
这位教授致力于传授前沿的科学知识。
AcademiaThis professor is dedicated to imparting cutting-edge scientific knowledge.
父母有责任向孩子传授正确的价值观。
ParentingParents have a responsibility to instill correct values in their children.
Common Collocations
Often Confused With
'传授' emphasizes passing down knowledge or skills, often from an elder or teacher to a younger generation or student, with a focus on the act of teaching and the transfer of expertise. '教授' means 'to teach' or 'to instruct' generally, and can also refer to a 'professor'. While both involve teaching, '传授' carries a stronger connotation of heritage and mentorship, specifically imparting something valuable for future use, whereas '教授' is a more general term for teaching without that specific nuance of generational transfer or deep mentorship.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
'传授' is a formal verb used to describe the act of teaching, imparting, or transmitting knowledge, skills, or techniques. It is typically used in contexts where there is a clear distinction between the giver and the receiver of the knowledge, and where the instruction is intentional and systematic. It's often used with abstract nouns or skills as objects, such as '传授知识' (to impart knowledge), '传授技艺' (to teach a skill/craft), '传授经验' (to pass on experience), or '传授武艺' (to teach martial arts). While it can be used in everyday language, it tends to carry a more serious or official tone than simpler verbs like '教' (jiāo), which can just mean 'to teach' in a general sense. '传授' emphasizes the thoroughness and the nature of the transmission. It's less common for casual, everyday teaching of simple things. For example, you wouldn't typically say '传授我怎么系鞋带' (to teach me how to tie my shoelaces), but rather '教我怎么系鞋带'. It implies a more comprehensive and often long-term process of instruction.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is confusing '传授 (chuánshòu)' with '教授 (jiàoshòu)'. While both involve teaching, '传授' specifically emphasizes the act of passing down knowledge, skills, or experience, often in a more personal or direct manner, like a master teaching an apprentice. It carries a nuance of bestowing something valuable. '教授' is a more general term for 'to teach' or 'to instruct', often used in an academic or formal setting, like a professor teaching a class. Another mistake can be using '教 (jiāo)' directly when the nuance of 'imparting' or 'transmitting' a more comprehensive set of skills or knowledge is intended. '教' is a broader term for 'to teach', but '传授' implies a more complete transfer of expertise. For example, you might '传授' martial arts, but you would '教' a child to read. Also, ensure correct tone and context. '传授' often implies a more formal or respected context of teaching, so using it casually might sound a bit off. For instance, you wouldn't typically '传授' someone how to tie their shoes, but you would '传授' them a trade.
Tips
Usage Tips
'传授' (chuánshòu) specifically refers to the act of imparting knowledge, skills, or doctrines, usually from an experienced person to a less experienced one, or from a teacher to a student. It emphasizes the transfer of structured learning and often implies a formal or systematic teaching process. It is commonly used in contexts like '传授知识' (to impart knowledge), '传授技艺' (to teach skills), or '传授经验' (to pass on experience). It's less commonly used for general teaching of simple, everyday tasks.
Common Pitfalls
Do not confuse '传授' with general verbs for teaching like '教' (jiāo) or '教育' (jiàoyù). While '教' is a broader term for teaching anything from simple actions to complex subjects, and '教育' refers to education in a more holistic and institutional sense, '传授' is more specific to the act of passing down concrete knowledge, skills, or principles. Using '传授' for a very simple teaching act, like 'teach me how to open this jar,' would sound overly formal and incorrect. Also, ensure the context implies a transfer of something substantial from one person to another, not just general instruction.
Contextual Nuances
'传授' carries a connotation of tradition, expertise, and often, a sense of responsibility in passing down valuable assets. It can be used in academic settings (e.g., a professor imparting advanced theories), vocational training (e.g., a master craftsman teaching his apprentice), or even in martial arts (e.g., a master teaching secret techniques). The subject being 'imparted' is typically something valuable, established, and often requires effort to master. It highlights the role of the teacher as a knowledgeable source and the student as a recipient of this valuable transfer.
Word Origin
The word '传授' (chuánshòu) is composed of two characters: '传' (chuán) and '授' (shòu). '传' (chuán) originally depicted a person holding something to pass on. Its ancient forms show a person (人) and a symbol representing a folded cloth or message being handed over. Over time, its meaning evolved to 'to transmit,' 'to pass on,' 'to spread,' or 'to convey.' This character is frequently found in words related to communication, tradition, and inheritance. For instance, '传说' (chuánshuō) means 'legend' or 'hearsay,' '传播' (chuánbō) means 'to disseminate' or 'to broadcast,' and '传统' (chuántǒng) means 'tradition.' '授' (shòu) depicts a hand (手) giving something to another hand or person. Its oracle bone script and bronze script forms clearly illustrate two hands, one giving and one receiving, or a hand giving something to an object. The radical '手' (shǒu, hand) is prominent in its composition. The primary meaning of '授' is 'to give,' 'to grant,' or 'to confer.' It is often used in contexts of giving something formally or ritually, such as '授予' (shòuyǔ) meaning 'to award' or 'to confer,' and '受教' (shòujiào) meaning 'to receive instruction.' When combined, '传授' (chuánshòu) literally means 'to transmit and to give.' This combination perfectly encapsulates the act of teaching or imparting knowledge and skills, especially from an older or more experienced person to a younger generation or a less experienced individual. It emphasizes not just the act of giving information, but also the process of conveying it effectively so that it can be learned and perpetuated. The nuance of 'to impart' suggests a deliberate and often careful transfer of valuable knowledge or skills, often with the intention of preservation and continuity. The term has been in use for centuries, reflecting a core aspect of human learning and cultural transmission throughout Chinese history. Its usage reflects a respect for accumulated wisdom and the importance of passing it down.
Cultural Context
The word '传授' (chuánshòu) carries significant cultural weight in Chinese society, reflecting the high value placed on education, mentorship, and the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and skills. It often implies a formal or semi-formal relationship where an experienced individual (e.g., a master, teacher, elder, or parent) meticulously guides and instructs a less experienced person (e.g., an apprentice, student, or child). This concept is deeply rooted in Confucian traditions, which emphasize respect for elders and teachers, and the importance of learning for personal and societal improvement. It also resonates with the idea of 'passing down' family traditions, crafts, or professional expertise, ensuring continuity and preservation across generations. The act of '传授' is seen as a benevolent and responsible duty, and the recipient is expected to show diligence and gratitude. It's not just about conveying information, but also about instilling values, discipline, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Memory Tip
The character '传 (chuán)' means 'to transmit' or 'to pass on', and '授 (shòu)' means 'to grant' or 'to confer'. So, '传授' literally means 'to transmit and confer', which perfectly captures the idea of imparting knowledge or skills to others, especially to a younger generation or students.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions'传授' (chuán shòu) is a Chinese word that means 'to impart' or 'to teach (knowledge/skills to a younger generation)'. It specifically refers to the act of passing down knowledge, skills, or experience from one person to another, often from an older or more experienced individual to a younger or less experienced one. This can include academic knowledge, vocational skills, cultural traditions, or even life lessons. The term emphasizes the transfer of something valuable that is meant to be preserved and continued.
Certainly! A common way to use '传授' is in the context of teaching or training. For instance, you might say: '老师向学生传授知识' (Lǎoshī xiàng xuéshēng chuánshòu zhīshì), which translates to 'The teacher imparts knowledge to the students.' Another example could be: '师傅传授徒弟手艺' (Shīfù chuánshòu túdì shǒuyì), meaning 'The master teaches the apprentice his craft.' It highlights the idea of a mentor passing on their expertise.
While both '传授' (chuán shòu) and '教' (jiāo) mean 'to teach,' they carry slightly different nuances. '教' is a more general term for teaching, covering a wide range of instructional activities, from simple explanations to formal education. '传授,' on the other hand, implies a more deliberate and often more profound transfer of knowledge or skills, usually from someone with expertise to someone who is learning. It often suggests a legacy or a continuation of tradition. Think of '传授' as teaching with a sense of passing something valuable down, while '教' is more about the act of instruction itself.
'传授' is most appropriate in situations where there's a clear intention to pass on knowledge, skills, or wisdom, especially when there's a sense of mentorship, tradition, or the continuation of a legacy. It's often used when talking about masters teaching apprentices, elders sharing their life experiences, or teachers imparting specialized knowledge that is meant to be cherished and developed by the next generation. It conveys a more formal and purposeful transfer compared to simply 'teaching' something.
Test Yourself
老师傅把毕生所学都___给了年轻徒弟。
他致力于将传统工艺___给下一代。
通过阅读，我们可以从书本中___到很多知识。
Score: /3
Usage Tips
'传授' (chuánshòu) specifically refers to the act of imparting knowledge, skills, or doctrines, usually from an experienced person to a less experienced one, or from a teacher to a student. It emphasizes the transfer of structured learning and often implies a formal or systematic teaching process. It is commonly used in contexts like '传授知识' (to impart knowledge), '传授技艺' (to teach skills), or '传授经验' (to pass on experience). It's less commonly used for general teaching of simple, everyday tasks.
Common Pitfalls
Do not confuse '传授' with general verbs for teaching like '教' (jiāo) or '教育' (jiàoyù). While '教' is a broader term for teaching anything from simple actions to complex subjects, and '教育' refers to education in a more holistic and institutional sense, '传授' is more specific to the act of passing down concrete knowledge, skills, or principles. Using '传授' for a very simple teaching act, like 'teach me how to open this jar,' would sound overly formal and incorrect. Also, ensure the context implies a transfer of something substantial from one person to another, not just general instruction.
Contextual Nuances
'传授' carries a connotation of tradition, expertise, and often, a sense of responsibility in passing down valuable assets. It can be used in academic settings (e.g., a professor imparting advanced theories), vocational training (e.g., a master craftsman teaching his apprentice), or even in martial arts (e.g., a master teaching secret techniques). The subject being 'imparted' is typically something valuable, established, and often requires effort to master. It highlights the role of the teacher as a knowledgeable source and the student as a recipient of this valuable transfer.
Examples
5 of 5老师傅向徒弟传授手艺。
The master craftsman imparts his skills to his apprentice.
他乐于向年轻人传授经验。
He is happy to impart his experience to young people.
这部电影传授给我们很多关于历史的知识。
This movie teaches us a lot about history.
这位教授致力于传授前沿的科学知识。
This professor is dedicated to imparting cutting-edge scientific knowledge.
父母有责任向孩子传授正确的价值观。
Parents have a responsibility to instill correct values in their children.
