集 A 于一身
to combine A, B and C in one person or thing
Structure
主语 ＋ 集 A、B、C ＋ 于一身
What it means
To combine several roles, qualities or functions in one person or thing: 集 “gather”, 于 (= 在) “in”, 一身 “one body”.
How it is built
Subject + 集 + A、B、C + 于一身: 他集导演、编剧和主演于一身 (he is director, screenwriter and lead actor in one). The list goes between 集 and 于一身.
When to use it
Formal: reviews, profiles, advertising, official writing. For a place or product 集…于一体 is also common (集购物、餐饮、娱乐于一体). Set phrase: 集万千宠爱于一身. Not 集…之大成 “to bring together the best of a whole tradition”.
Watch out
✗ 集于一身诗、乐、歌、舞 ✓ 集诗、乐、歌、舞于一身. Keep 于, not 在: ✗ 集…在一身.
Examples
昆曲集诗、乐、歌、舞于一身。
Kunqu combines poetry, music, song and dance.
他集导演、编剧和主演于一身，这部电影几乎是他一个人做出来的。
He is director, screenwriter and lead actor in one; the film is practically his work alone.
这款手机集拍照、支付、导航等功能于一身，老人用起来也很方便。
This phone combines a camera, payments, navigation and more, and it is easy for older people to use too.
Learn this in Lesson 240 · HSK 9+: 昆曲《牡丹亭》 (Kunqu and The Peony Pavilion)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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