Meaning of 能力
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- capability
- ability
Measure word: 個|个
How to use 能力
能力 is a noun for someone's capability, often paired with verbs like 有 (yǒu), 提高 (tígāo, to improve) or 缺乏 (quēfá, to lack). It often follows a skill word, as in 学习能力 (learning ability). Example: 他的工作能力很强。(Tā de gōngzuò nénglì hěn qiáng.) His ability at work is strong.
能力 combines 能 (néng), meaning can or be able to, with 力 (lì), meaning strength or power. The strength that lets you do something is your ability.
Common mistake: Learners sometimes use 能力 as a verb, saying 我能力做 instead of 我能做 (wǒ néng zuò) or 我有能力做 (wǒ yǒu nénglì zuò). Also, ability is usually described as 强 (qiáng) or 弱 (ruò), not 大 or 好 as English speakers might expect.
能力 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.
能 néng · can · 10 strokes
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力 lì · power · 2 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 能力.
| 可能 | kěnéng | might (happen); possible |
| 只能 | zhǐ néng | can only; obliged to do sth |
| 努力 | nǔlì | to make an effort; to try hard; to strive; hard-working; conscientious |
| 能够 | nénggòu | to be capable of; to be able to |
| 才能 | cáinéng | talent; ability |
| 力量 | lìliàng | power; force; strength |
| 压力 | yālì | pressure |
| 动力 | dònglì | motive power; (fig.) motivation; impetus |
| 功能 | gōngnéng | function; capability |
| 实力 | shílì | strength |
| 听力 | tīnglì | hearing; listening ability |
| 能不能 | néng bu néng |
Questions about 能力
What does 能力 mean?
能力 (nénglì) means "capability; ability" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 能力?
能力 is made of 2 characters: 能 (10 strokes), 力 (2 strokes). That is 12 strokes in total.
Is 能力 an HSK word?
Yes. 能力 is on the HSK 3 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 能力 and 才能?
能力 (nénglì) is general capability, the practical power to get things done. 才能 (cáinéng) leans toward talent or natural gifts, and it sounds a bit more formal.
How do I say someone is able to do something using 能力?
Use the pattern 有能力 + verb, for example 她有能力完成这个任务。(Tā yǒu nénglì wánchéng zhège rènwu.) She is capable of finishing this task. For the negative, say 没有能力 (méiyǒu nénglì).