Meaning
掌管 means to have authority over or responsibility for something, typically in an organizational or administrative context. It implies both control and management duties, often used for someone who oversees a department, handles certain affairs, or has jurisdiction over a specific domain.
Usage
This verb is used in formal and semi-formal contexts to describe managerial or administrative responsibility. It's commonly followed by a noun indicating the area of responsibility, such as 财务 (finances), 人事 (personnel), or 事务 (affairs). Native speakers use it to describe official duties and organizational structures rather than casual supervision.
Examples
- 01她在公司里掌管财务部门。.She is in charge of the finance department at the company.
- 02这位经理掌管着整个项目的运作。.This manager oversees the operation of the entire project.
Characters
Common collocations
- 掌管财务to be in charge of finances
- 掌管大权to hold power
- 掌管人事to manage personnel affairs
- 掌管一切to control everything
Origin
掌 originally meant 'palm of the hand' and extended to mean 'to hold in one's palm' or 'to control.' 管 means 'to manage' or 'pipe/tube' (something that directs flow). Together, they reinforce the concept of having something firmly in hand and directing it.