Chinese word

本领

Pronunciation

Pinyinběn lǐng

Meaning

  • nounability

Example

他很有本领，能修电脑。tā hěn yǒu bén lǐng néng xiū diàn nǎo

He has great ability and can fix computers.

Illustration for 本领 (ability)

More examples

在比赛中，她很快就发挥了本领。zài bǐ sài zhōng tā hěn kuài jiù fā huī le bén lǐng

In the competition, she quickly demonstrated her ability.

Core concept

A developed store of know-how that shows itself in what someone can do.

Common phrases

  • 有本领yǒu bén lǐng

    have ability

  • 学本领xué bén lǐng

    learn a skill

  • 发挥本领fā huī bén lǐng

    demonstrate one's ability

Similar words

能力néng lì: A person's general capacity to do something or achieve a result.

Definition in Chinese

指一个人实际能做事的能力或技术，尤其指在某种工作或活动中表现出来的本事。zhǐ yí gè rén shí jì néng zuò shì de néng lì huò jì shù yóu qí zhǐ zài móu zhǒng gōng zuò huò huó dòng zhōng biǎo xiàn chū lái de běn shì

Word origin

本领 (běnlǐng, "ability") developed as a compound for a person's own fundamental capacity, then came to focus on the practical skill shown in a task.

Usage tips

  • This noun usually describes a person's demonstrated know-how rather than a formal qualification, so it commonly appears when praising what someone can accomplish.

Other meanings

  • skillnoun
  • expertisenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 本领儿bén lǐngrskillnoun

Word lists with this word