Keywords: 专家, zhuanjia, expert in Chinese, specialist in Chinese, Chinese expert, Chinese word for expert, meaning of zhuanjia, how to say expert in Chinese, professional, authority, scholar in Chinese.
Summary: The Chinese word 专家 (zhuānjiā) translates to “expert” or “specialist.” It refers to a person with deep, authoritative knowledge and skill in a specific field, such as medicine, finance, or science. This term is used formally to denote a high level of professional achievement and is a title of respect in Chinese culture, which values knowledge and mastery. Understanding `专家` is key to navigating professional and academic contexts in China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): zhuānjiā
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: An expert or a specialist in a particular field.
In a Nutshell: `专家` is the standard, respectful term for an “expert.” Think of the person you'd consult for a serious problem—a medical specialist, a financial advisor, or a leading scientist. The word combines “specialized” and “master,” creating a clear image of someone who has dedicated their life to mastering a specific domain. It carries a sense of authority, credibility, and deep knowledge.
Character Breakdown
专 (zhuān): This character means “specialized,” “focused,” or “concentrated.” It's the same character found in `专业 (zhuānyè)`, which means “major” or “specialty.” It implies a narrow and deep focus.
家 (jiā): While its primary meaning is “family” or “home,” in this context, it functions as a suffix for a person who is a master of a certain craft or field of study. Think of `科学家 (kēxuéjiā)` for “scientist” or `艺术家 (yìshùjiā)` for “artist.” It elevates the person to the level of a master practitioner.
Together, 专 (zhuān) + 家 (jiā) literally means a “specialized master,” perfectly capturing the concept of an expert.
Cultural Context and Significance
In traditional Chinese culture, influenced by Confucianism, scholars and knowledgeable individuals have always been held in high esteem. The `专家` is the modern inheritor of this respect. Their opinions are often given significant weight in discussions, media, and policy-making. This can be more pronounced than in some Western cultures where challenging expert opinions is more commonplace.
Comparison to “Expert”: While the meaning is nearly identical to the English “expert,” the cultural weight can be heavier. An `专家` is often seen not just as knowledgeable, but as an authority figure. This is changing with the internet, however.
The “Brick Expert” - 砖家 (zhuānjiā): In recent years, a cynical internet slang term has emerged: 砖家 (zhuānjiā). It's a pun that replaces the character for “specialist” (专) with the one for “brick” (砖), which have the same pinyin. It's used to mock so-called experts who are perceived as being out-of-touch, corrupt, or offering foolish advice. This reflects a growing public skepticism towards established authority in modern China.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal and Professional Settings: This is the most common context. You will see it in news reports, academic papers, and professional titles. For example, `医学专家 (yīxué zhuānjiā)` is a “medical expert,” and `经济专家 (jīngjì zhuānjiā)` is an “economic expert.”
Everyday Conversation: It can be used to praise someone's high skill level, sometimes sincerely and sometimes with a hint of flattery or humor. For example, if your friend is amazing at fixing computers, you might say, “You're a real expert!” (`你真是个专家！`).
Connotation: The term is overwhelmingly positive and respectful. The only negative usage is the intentional, sarcastic pun `砖家 (zhuānjiā)`.
English: We need to invite an expert to evaluate this project.
Analysis: This is a classic, formal business context. `请 (qǐng)` means “to invite” and shows respect. The measure word `位 (wèi)` is also used for respected people.
Example 2:
张教授是公认的语言学专家。
Pinyin: Zhāng jiàoshòu shì gōngrèn de yǔyánxué zhuānjiā.
English: Professor Zhang is a recognized expert in linguistics.
Analysis: Here, `专家` is used to define someone's professional status. `公认的 (gōngrèn de)` means “publicly recognized,” adding to the authority.
English: As a financial expert, she advises us to invest now.
Analysis: `作为 (zuòwéi)` means “as a…”, introducing someone's role or capacity before they give advice or an opinion.
Example 10:
有些人说他是“砖家”，不是“专家”。
Pinyin: Yǒuxiē rén shuō tā shì “zhuānjiā,” búshì “zhuānjiā.”
English: Some people say he is a “brick-spert,” not an expert.
Analysis: This sentence directly uses the pun. The context makes it clear the first `zhuānjiā` is the derogatory `砖家`, and the second is the legitimate `专家`. This is something you'd see in online discussions.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
专家 (zhuānjiā) vs. 高手 (gāoshǒu): A common mistake is using `专家` for hobbies or informal skills. While you can, it can sound overly formal. For skills like playing video games, cooking, or sports, the term `高手 (gāoshǒu)`, meaning “master” or “pro,” is often more natural. `专家` is best reserved for professional, academic, or highly technical fields.
Correct: 他玩游戏是个高手。(Tā wán yóuxì shì ge gāoshǒu.) - He's a pro at playing games.
Awkward: 他是游戏专家。(Tā shì yóuxì zhuānjiā.) - Sounds too formal, as if he professionally studies games for a living.
专家 (zhuānjiā) vs. 老师 (lǎoshī): A `老师 (lǎoshī)` is a teacher. While a professor who is an expert can be called `老师` by their students, not every teacher is an `专家`. `老师` is a term of address and a profession, while `专家` denotes a level of mastery. You wouldn't call your primary school teacher a `数学专家` (mathematics expert) unless they were also a famous mathematician.
Don't Misunderstand the Pun: If you see `砖家` online, remember it's an insult. It means the person is a “brick-head,” someone who is rigid and offers useless, heavy-handed advice. It is not a typo.
Related Terms and Concepts
学者 (xuézhě) - Scholar. Refers specifically to an academic or researcher, often in the humanities or social sciences. More focused on theory than practice.
教授 (jiàoshòu) - Professor. This is a specific job title within a university. Most professors are experts in their field.
高手 (gāoshǒu) - Master, pro, ace. An informal term for someone highly skilled, often in a practical craft, sport, or hobby.
权威 (quánwēi) - Authority, an authoritative figure. An `专家` whose word is considered definitive and highly influential.
专业 (zhuānyè) - Major (in school), specialty, profession. This is the field that an `专家` specializes in.
内行 (nèiháng) - An insider, an expert. Someone “in the know” about a particular trade or area. It's the opposite of a layman.
外行 (wàiháng) - A layman, an amateur. The opposite of `内行`. Someone who is not an expert in a field.
砖家 (zhuānjiā) - “Brick expert” (pun). A derogatory slang term for a pseudo-expert giving impractical advice.