擅

usurp, monopolize

擅 is composed of the radical 手 (hand) and 亶 (true, real). 亶 is composed of 㐭 (granary) and 旦 (dawn), conveying the image of a granary built on flat, open land, which implies the sense of standing out or being prominent. 手 represents action or movement with the hand. Therefore, 擅 is used to express the meanings of “to take possession of” and “to be proficient in” something.

Vocabulary of 擅

  • 擅長 (be good at)
  • 擅自 (without permission)
  • 擅闖 (trespass)

Related Characters: