Meaning of 潜力
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- potential; latent capacity
How to use 潜力
潜力 is a noun used for people, markets, or products that could grow. It often pairs with 有 (yǒu) or 发挥 (fāhuī, to bring out). Example: 这个孩子很有潜力。(Zhège háizi hěn yǒu qiánlì.) This child has a lot of potential.
潜 (qián) means to dive or hide under water, and 力 (lì) means strength. 潜力 is strength hidden below the surface, waiting to come up.
Common mistake: Learners often say 潜力 with a third tone on the first syllable, but 潜 is second tone: qián. Also do not confuse it with 能力 (nénglì), which is ability you already have, while 潜力 is ability not yet shown.
潜力 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
潜 qián · to hide · 15 strokes
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力 lì · power · 2 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 潜力.
| 努力 | nǔlì | to make an effort; to try hard; to strive; hard-working; conscientious |
| 力量 | lìliàng | power; force; strength |
| 能力 | nénglì | capability; ability |
| 压力 | yālì | pressure |
| 动力 | dònglì | motive power; (fig.) motivation; impetus |
| 实力 | shílì | strength |
| 听力 | tīnglì | hearing; listening ability |
| 巧克力 | qiǎokèlì | (loanword) chocolate |
| 尽力 | jìnlì | to strive one's hardest; to spare no effort |
| 力气 | lìqi | physical strength |
| 精力 | jīnglì | energy (physical or mental) |
| 智力 | zhìlì | intelligence; intellect |
Questions about 潜力
What does 潜力 mean?
潜力 (qiánlì) means "potential; latent capacity" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 潜力?
潜力 is made of 2 characters: 潜 (15 strokes), 力 (2 strokes). That is 17 strokes in total.
Is 潜力 an HSK word?
Yes. 潜力 is on the HSK 6 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 潜力 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 潜力 is written 潛力.
How do I say someone has great potential in Chinese?
Say 他很有潜力 (tā hěn yǒu qiánlì) or 他潜力很大 (tā qiánlì hěn dà). Both are natural and common.
Can 潜力 be used for things, not just people?
Yes. It is common in business and news, for example 市场潜力 (shìchǎng qiánlì, market potential) or 发展潜力 (fāzhǎn qiánlì, development potential).