獨占 / 獨占 / 独占
dúzhàn
The English phrase 'monopoly' is translated into Chinese as 獨占 / 獨占 / 独占 (dúzhàn). If unsure, use 獨占 / 獨占 / 独占. Wiktionary also lists 壟斷 / 垄断 (lǒngduàn).
Meaning: exclusive possession (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 獨占 / 獨占 / 独占 | dúzhàn | |
| 壟斷 / 垄断 | lǒngduàn | archaic |
The word refers to the concept of exclusive possession. In a commercial context, 壟斷 / 垄断 is frequently used when describing the act of a company or entity unfairly controlling a market or 'cornering' a resource. For a more informal idiomatic expression describing a similar situation, you can use 独此一家.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 獨占 is composed of 獨 (alone/single) and 占 (to occupy/possess).
Which one should you use?
While 獨占 means the economic concept of a monopoly, the board game 'Monopoly' is translated as 地產大亨 / 地产大亨 (literally 'Real Estate Tycoon') or 大富翁.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization for 獨占 / 獨占 / 独占 is dúzhàn.
Did you know?
- The term 壟斷 / 垄断 carries a deep historical weight because it traces its origins back to the philosopher Mencius. He used the term to criticize the way certain officials would control vital resources like salt and iron to exploit the common people.
- While 'monopoly' sounds purely commercial today, the character 壟 / 垄 originally referred to a high mound or a ridge of earth. This suggests a visual metaphor of a barrier or a heap that blocks others from reaching a resource.
- In Chinese, 獨占 can describe not only commercial monopolies but also the act of 'hogging' a physical space or a conversation in social settings.
Examples in context
- 该公司垄断了市场份额。The company has a monopoly on the market share.
- 这家公司独占了该地区的铁路运输。This company monopolizes railway transportation in this region.
- 这家超市几乎垄断了整个当地的食品市场。This supermarket almost has a monopoly over the local food market.
- 这家小吃摊在这条街独此一家。This snack stall is the only one on this street.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monopoly” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 壟斷, CC BY-SA 4.0.
