以…见长
to excel in; to be noted for (a strength)
Structure
主语 以 特长 见长
What it means
Says what a person, place or institution is especially good at: 以 marks the strength and 见长 means “shows its strength”.
How it is built
Subject + 以 + strength + 见长: 这所大学以理工科见长 (this university’s strength is science and engineering). 颜真卿和柳公权都以楷书见长.
When to use it
Written style; in speech say 擅长… or 最拿手的是…. Compare 以…著称 (famous for), which is about reputation, not skill.
Watch out
Read 长 as cháng, as in 擅长 and 特长, not zhǎng. Use it for a skill or strength; for mere fame use 以…著称.
Examples
颜真卿和柳公权都以楷书见长。
Yan Zhenqing and Liu Gongquan both excelled at regular script.
这家饭馆以四川菜见长，麻婆豆腐做得尤其地道。
This restaurant’s strength is Sichuan food; its mapo tofu is especially authentic.
这所大学以理工科见长。
This university is best known for science and engineering.
Learn this in Lesson 91 · HSK 6–7: 兰亭序与书法 (The Orchid Pavilion and the art of calligraphy)
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.
Open the lesson →