Chinese word

万能

Pronunciation

Pinyinwàn néng

Meaning

  • adjectivemultipurpose

Example

这是一把万能的扳手。zhè shì yì bǎ wàn néng de bān shǒu

This is a multipurpose wrench.

Illustration for 万能 (multipurpose)

More examples

没有万能的解决办法，问题需要具体分析。méi yǒu wàn néng de jiě jué bàn fǎ wèn tí xū yào jù tǐ fēn xī

There is no universal solution; the problem requires specific analysis.

Core concept

Nearly every problem appears manageable through the wide range of abilities packed into one person or thing.

Common phrases

  • 万能钥匙wàn néng yào shi

    master key

  • 万能的工具wàn néng de gōng jù

    multipurpose tool

  • 万能的解决办法wàn néng de jiě jué bàn fǎ

    universal solution

Similar words

多才duō cái: Showing notable ability across a range of different fields.
多功能duō gōng néng: Designed with multiple functions for use in a variety of ways.
通用tōng yòng: Able to work or apply successfully across many situations.
全能quán néng: Seeming able to perform nearly every kind of task or role.

Definition in Chinese

用来表示某物或某人能应付各种不同的问题或任务，有时带有夸张或比喻意味，含接近“全能”的含义。yòng lái biǎo shì mǒu wù huò mǒu rén néng yìng fù gè zhǒng bù tóng de wèn tí huò rèn wù yǒu shí dài yǒu kuā zhāng huò bǐ yù yì wèi hán jiē jìn quán néng de hán yì

Word origin

In 万能 (wànnéng, "all-capable"), 万 (wàn, "ten thousand") stands for a vast number and 能 (néng, "can or ability") supplies the idea of capability, creating a word for seemingly limitless skill.

Usage tips

  • When the word praises a person, the tone can be playful or exaggerated, so the surrounding context shows whether it is serious praise.

Other meanings

  • all-powerfuladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 万能药wàn néng yàopanaceanoun
  • 万能性wàn néng xìngversatilitynoun

Word lists with this word