Japanese word

万能

Pronunciation

Romajibannō

Meaning

  • nounall-purpose

Example

この道具は万能ではありません。ko no dō gu wa ban nō de wa a ri ma se n

This tool is not versatile.

Illustration for 万能 (all-purpose)

More examples

この道具が万能でも、使い方を学ぶ必要があります。ko no dō gu ga ban nō de mo tsuka i kata o mana bu hitsu yō ga a ri ma su

Even if this tool is all-purpose, you still need to learn how to use it.

Core concept

Describes a person or thing that can handle many different purposes or tasks.

Common phrases

  • 万能であるban nō de a ru

    be all-purpose

  • 万能な人ban nō na hito

    versatile person

Similar words

汎用hanyō: Usable across many situations and applications.
多用途tayōto: Suitable for a range of different uses.
多機能takinō: Providing several separate functions in one device or product.

Definition in Japanese

多くの用途に使え、どのようなことにも対応できる性質や能力。ō ku no yō to ni tsuka e do no yō na ko to ni mo tai ō de ki ru sei shitsu ya nō ryoku

Word origin

万能 (bannō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 万 (man, "ten thousand") and 能 (nō, "ability"), expressing the idea of having abilities in every area.

Usage tips

  • The English adjective all-purpose usually describes a product made for many uses, while 万能 (bannō) can also describe a person or ability.

Other meanings

  • versatilenoun
  • universalnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 万能感bannōkansense of omnipotencenoun

Word lists with this word