Chinese word

本事

Pronunciation

Pinyinběn shì

Meaning

  • nounability

Example

他有本事，能自己修车。tā yǒu běn shì néng zì jǐ xiū chē

He has the ability to fix cars himself.

Illustration for 本事 (ability)

More examples

想找好工作，就要学点本事。xiǎng zhǎo hǎo gōng zuò jiù yào xué diǎn běn shì

If you want to find a good job, you need to learn some skills.

Core concept

A person's practical power to get a particular task done.

Common phrases

  • 学点本事xué diǎn běn shì

    learn some skills

  • 有本事yǒu běn shì

    have ability

Similar words

能力néng lì: The power and judgment needed to carry out a task or responsibility.
本领bén lǐng: A developed skill and know-how for performing a specific kind of work.

Definition in Chinese

指个人在某方面表现出来的技能或才能，体现为完成具体事情的能力。zhǐ gè rén zài mǒu fāng miàn biǎo xiàn chū lái de jì néng huò cái néng tǐ xiàn wèi wán chéng jù tǐ shì qíng de néng lì

Word origin

本事 (běnshì, "ability") combines 本 (běn, "root") and 事 (shì, "matter"), framing the fundamental capacity needed to handle a matter.

Usage tips

  • The word is natural in casual comments about what someone can do, while more formal writing usually chooses a more neutral term for professional ability.

Other meanings

  • skillnoun
  • talentnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word