Korean word

능력

Pronunciation

Romanizationneungnyeok

Meaning

  • nounability

Example

그는 일을 잘할 능력이 있다.keu neun i reul chal hal neung nyeo gi it tta

He has the ability to do the work well.

Illustration for 능력 (ability)

More examples

새 일을 맡으면서 능력을 더 키우고 싶다.sae i reul ma teu myeon seo neung nyeo geul teo ki u go sip tta

I want to develop my ability further as I take on a new job.

Core concept

The capacity or competence that makes successful action possible.

Common phrases

  • 능력이 있다neung nyeo gi it tta

    have the ability

  • 능력을 발휘하다neung nyeo geul pal hwi ha da

    demonstrate one's ability

  • 능력을 키우다neung nyeo geul ki u da

    develop one's ability

Similar words

실력sillyeok: Skill shown through the quality of actual work or performance.
재능chaeneung: Natural ability that helps someone excel in a particular field.
역량yeongnyang: Overall capability, including skills and experience, for fulfilling a job or role.
기술kisul: A specific method or practical skill used to do something effectively.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일을 해낼 수 있는 힘이나 실력eo tteon i reul hae nael ssu in neun hi mi na sil lyeok

Word origin

Its Sino-Korean formation combines the ideas of being able and strength to express the power to accomplish something.

Usage tips

  • The word is broad enough for both natural potential and developed competence, so context shows which kind is meant.

Other meanings

  • skillnoun

Opposites

  • 무능muneungincompetencenoun

Related words

  • 능력자neungnyeokjjacapable personnoun
  • 능력시험neungnyeokssiheomability testnoun

Word lists with this word