Chinese word

全能

Pronunciation

Pinyinquán néng

Meaning

  • adjectiveversatile

Example

他在公司里很全能，什么活都能干。tā zài gōng sī lǐ hěn quán néng shén me huó dōu néng gàn

He is very versatile at the company and can do any job.

Illustration for 全能 (versatile)

More examples

她被认为是国家队的全能选手，既能跑又会跳。tā bèi rèn wéi shì guó jiā duì de quán néng xuán shǒu jì néng pǎo yòu huì tiào

She is considered an all-around athlete on the national team and can both run and jump.

Core concept

A single broad capability that can meet many different needs.

Common phrases

  • 全能选手quán néng xuán shǒu

    all-around athlete

  • 全能人才quán néng rén cái

    versatile talent

Similar words

万能wàn néng: Useful in many different situations or suited to many purposes.
多才duō cái: Having many talents and skills, and able to do many different things well.
能干néng gàn: Capable and efficient in practical work, and able to handle tasks well.

Definition in Chinese

具有多方面的能力或功能，能够胜任多种工作或角色，表示一种“万能”的状态或特质。jù yǒu duō fāng miàn de néng lì huò gōng néng néng gòu shèng rèn duō zhǒng gōng zuò huò jué sè biǎo shì yì zhǒng wàn néng de zhuàng tài huò tè zhì

Word origin

全 (quán, "all") + 能 (néng, "be able") joins total scope with capability, so the word portrays no area of ability as outside its reach.

Usage tips

  • The word often sounds complimentary in daily speech, but it can also be an informal exaggeration rather than a claim of perfect ability.

Other meanings

  • all-powerfuladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 全能性quán néng xìngversatilitynoun
  • 全能者quán néng zhěall-powerful personnoun

Word lists with this word