Japanese Conversation · Level 76
76 words
Japanese word
能
Pronunciation
Romajinō
Meaning
- nounability
Example
彼は仕事で能を発揮します。kare wa shi goto de nō o hak ki shi ma su
He demonstrates his ability at work.
More examples
彼は難しい仕事でも能を発揮します。kare wa muzuka shi i shi goto de mo nō o hak ki shi ma su
He demonstrates his ability even when handling difficult tasks.
Core concept
Describes the capacity or skill that enables a person to do something.
Common phrases
能があるnō ga a ru
have the ability
能を発揮するnō o hak ki su ru
demonstrate one's ability
能を生かすnō o i ka su
make use of one's ability
Similar words
能力nōryoku: The capacity to perform an action or deal with a situation.
技量giryō: The level of skill a person has in a particular activity.
才能sainō: A natural ability that allows a person to excel in a particular area.
Definition in Japanese
物事を成し遂げるために備わった力や技量。mono goto o na shi to ge ru ta me ni sona wa tta chikara ya gi ryō
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese noun 能 (nō, "ability") comes from the Chinese-derived use of 能 (nō, "ability" or "capacity") and entered Japanese with the on'yomi reading nō.
Usage tips
- The same character appears in Noh, a traditional Japanese theater form, where 能 (nō, "ability") names the art rather than ordinary ability.