Chinese word

能力

Pronunciation

Pinyinnéng lì

Meaning

  • nounability

Example

他有很强的能力。tā yǒu hěn qiáng de néng lì

He has great ability.

Illustration for 能力 (ability)

More examples

通过练习，他的能力逐渐提高。tōng guò liàn xí tā de néng lì zhú jiàn tí gāo

Through practice, his ability gradually improved.

Core concept

The working strength behind handling a task and making it succeed.

Common phrases

  • 学习能力xué xí néng lì

    ability to learn

  • 表达能力biǎo dá néng lì

    ability to express oneself

  • 适应能力shì yìng néng lì

    ability to adapt

Similar words

才能cái néng: Natural talent that brings special strength in study, art, or another field.
技能jì néng: A practical skill learned for carrying out a particular task.
专长zhuān cháng: A special area of skill or knowledge in which someone is especially good.
实力shí lì: The actual strength shown through performance, especially in competition.

Definition in Chinese

指人在某一方面表现出的实际水平或本领，侧重于能否完成任务和产生效果的能力。zhǐ rén zài mǒu yì fāng miàn biǎo xiàn chū de shí jì shuǐ píng huò bén lǐng cè zhòng yú néng fǒu wán chéng rèn wù hé chǎn shēng xiào guǒ de néng lì

Word origin

The compound joins 能 (néng, "be able") and 力 (lì, "strength"), framing successful performance as strength that enables action.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, naming the area alongside this noun makes praise more precise by separating general capability from strength in work, communication, or organization.

Other meanings

  • talentnoun
  • competencenoun
  • skillnoun

Word lists with this word