Japanese word

能力

Pronunciation

Romajinōryoku

Meaning

  • nounability

Example

彼には問題を解く能力があります。kare ni wa mon dai o to ku nō ryoku ga a ri ma su

He has the ability to solve problems.

Illustration for 能力 (ability)

More examples

練習を続けると、会話の能力が伸びます。ren shū o tsuzu ke ru to kai wa no nō ryoku ga no bi ma su

With continued practice, your conversational ability will improve.

Core concept

Describes the capacity or developed skill that enables someone to carry out a task successfully.

Common phrases

  • 能力があるnō ryoku ga a ru

    have the ability

  • 能力を伸ばすnō ryoku o no ba su

    improve one's ability

  • 能力を発揮するnō ryoku o hak ki su ru

    demonstrate one's ability

Similar words

実力jitsuryoku: The actual skill or competence shown in performing a task.
才能sainō: A natural aptitude that makes it easier to develop a particular skill.
技能ginō: A learned skill used to perform a practical or technical task.

Definition in Japanese

物事を行い成し遂げるための力や、身につけた技術。mono goto o okona i na shi to ge ru ta me no chikara ya mi ni tsu ke ta gi jutsu

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 能力 (nōryoku) combines 能 (nō, "capacity") and 力 (ryoku, "power").

Usage tips

  • In beginner conversations, 能力 (nōryoku) sounds more formal than できる (dekiru), so it often appears when discussing a person's abilities in a particular area.

Other meanings

  • skillnoun

Opposites

  • 無能力munōryokuinabilitynoun

Word lists with this word