Chinese word

能耐

Pronunciation

Pinyinnéng nài

Meaning

  • nounability

Example

你有什么能耐？nǐ yǒu shén me néng nài

What can you do?

Illustration for 能耐 (ability)

More examples

他在比赛中比试能耐，赢得了大家的尊重。tā zài bǐ sài zhōng bǐ shì néng nài yíng dé le dà jiā de zūn zhòng

He put his skills to the test in the contest and earned everyone's respect.

Core concept

The real capacity behind a person's successful action, especially when a task demands know-how or persistence.

Common phrases

  • 比试能耐bǐ shì néng nài

    put one's skills to the test

  • 拿不出能耐ná bù chū néng nài

    be unable to show one's ability

  • 显示能耐xiǎn shì néng nài

    display one's ability

Similar words

能力néng lì: Overall ability to do something, including knowledge, skills, and judgment.
本领bén lǐng: Practical skill and mastery shown through work or technical ability.
才能cái néng: Natural talent or ability shown in a particular field.
技能jì néng: Practical skill gained through study or training.

Definition in Chinese

指一个人具备完成某项工作或应对某种情况的能力、本事，常用于口语。zhǐ yí gè rén jù bèi wán chéng mǒu xiàng gōng zuò huò yìng duì móu zhǒng qíng kuàng de néng lì běn shì cháng yòng yú kóu yǔ

Word origin

能耐 (néngnài, "practical ability") is formed from 能 (néng, "be able to") and 耐 (nài, "withstand"), presenting ability as something that holds up in practice.

Usage tips

  • The word suits everyday talk about what someone can actually accomplish, rather than a formal description of qualifications.

Other meanings

  • talentnoun
  • skillnoun

Related words

  • 能耐儿néng nàirabilitynoun

Word lists with this word