Chinese word

潜能

Pronunciation

Pinyinqián néng

Meaning

  • nounpotential

Example

这名运动员还有潜能可挖掘。zhè míng yùn dòng yuán hái yǒu qián néng kě wā jué

This athlete still has untapped potential.

Illustration for 潜能 (potential)

More examples

在关键比赛中，他终于发挥了潜能。zài guān jiàn bǐ sài zhōng tā zhōng yú fā huī le qián néng

In the key competition, he finally realized his potential.

Core concept

An ability kept beneath the surface that can emerge when training or opportunity brings it out.

Common phrases

  • 挖掘潜能wā jué qián néng

    tap potential

  • 释放潜能shì fàng qián néng

    unleash potential

  • 发挥潜能fā huī qián néng

    realize potential

Similar words

潜力qián lì: Future ability or strength that exists beneath the surface and can gradually be developed.
能力néng lì: The ability and skills needed to carry out work, study, or other activities.
天赋tiān fù: A natural gift or special ability that a person has from birth.
才能cái néng: A strong ability or quality in a certain field that may improve with study and experience.

Definition in Chinese

尚未被表现出来但存在的能力、力量或可能性，强调可以通过培养或机会被开发。shàng wèi bèi biǎo xiàn chū lái dàn cún zài de néng lì lì liàng huò kě néng xìng qiáng diào ké yǐ tōng guò péi yǎng huò jī huì bèi kāi fā

Word origin

The compound 潜 (qián, "hidden") + 能 (néng, "ability") joins hiddenness with ability to name capacity that has not yet been brought out.

Usage tips

  • In casual conversation, this noun has a relatively formal tone and fits reports, school writing, and serious discussions of development.

Other meanings

  • latent abilitynoun
  • room for growthnoun

Opposites

  • 现实能力xiàn shí néng lìactual abilitynoun
  • 实际能力shí jì néng lìcurrent abilitynoun

Word lists with this word