Table of Contents

chuánshòu: 传授 - To Pass On, To Impart, To Teach

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

The word 传授 (chuánshòu) is deeply tied to the traditional Chinese concept of the master-apprentice relationship (师徒关系, shītú guānxì). In many fields—from martial arts (武术) and traditional medicine (中医) to calligraphy (书法) and cooking (烹饪)—knowledge was not just learned from a book, but imparted directly from a master (师父, shīfu) to an apprentice (徒弟, túdì). This isn't like the Western concept of “on-the-job training.” The act of 传授 establishes a profound, lifelong bond built on respect, loyalty, and responsibility. The master has a duty to pass on their knowledge faithfully, and the apprentice has a duty to learn diligently, practice hard, and uphold the honor of their teacher and their lineage. While “teaching” in the West can be a transactional exchange of information, 传授 (chuánshòu) implies the transfer of a legacy. It's about entrusting someone with a secret, a tradition, or an art form, with the expectation that they will preserve it and, one day, pass it on themselves. This reflects the high value placed on heritage, lineage, and the continuation of knowledge through generations.

Practical Usage in Modern China

While its roots are traditional, 传授 (chuánshòu) is still actively used today, almost always in formal or serious contexts.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

The most common mistake for learners is using 传授 (chuánshòu) where the simple verb 教 (jiāo) would suffice.

Incorrect Usage:

Think of it this way: You someone the alphabet, but a master calligrapher 传授 the art of writing characters.