When combined, 擅长 (shàncháng) literally means something like “to possess a particular strong point” or “to have a skill that is well-developed ('long').” It describes a deep and established ability.
In Chinese culture, humility (谦虚 - qiānxū) is a highly prized virtue. While it's important to have skills, boasting about them directly can be seen as arrogant. `擅长` fits perfectly into this cultural framework. It's a factual, slightly formal way to state an ability without sounding overly prideful.
Using `擅长` on a resume or in a job interview is perfectly acceptable and expected. In these formal contexts, stating your skills clearly is seen as professional, not arrogant. However, in casual conversation among friends, people might downplay their talents as a sign of modesty.
`擅长` is a versatile word used in various modern contexts.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing `擅长` with `会 (huì)`.