能 (néng) - Ability, capability, talent & can, able to

能Tone 2

néng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

楠念

能 · néng

Ability, capability, talent;

can, able to;

energy, power;

competent, skilled.

Ability, capability, talentcan, able toenergy, power

Usage highlights

AbilityEnergyCan doTalentFunctionEfficiency

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He has great ability (能力).
  • This machine can produce electricity (能发电).
  • She is an energetic person (有能量的人).
  • We need capable people (能人).

Collocations

  • Ability(能力)
  • Energy(能量)
  • Can do(能够)
  • Talent(才能)
  • Function(功能)
  • Efficiency(效能)

Idioms

  • Capable and virtuous(德才兼备)
  • All-powerful(无所不能)
  • Energy conservation(节能)
  • Do whatever one is capable of(力所能及)
  • Able to bend and stretch(能屈能伸)
  • Full of energy(精力充沛)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, 'neng' (能) represents both innate capability and acquired skill.
  • The character originally depicted a bear-like creature, symbolizing strength and power in ancient times.
  • In modern contexts, it's strongly associated with energy (as in 能量) and technological capability.
  • Highly valued in educational and professional contexts as it represents competence and achievement.

FAQ