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A2 noun #3,500 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

能干

néng gàn Top 3,500

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Erklärung 能干 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn '能干' (nénggàn) as a simple way to praise someone. It is a very positive word. You can think of it as 'good at doing things.' At this stage, you only need to know how to use it with '很' (hěn - very). For example, '我妈妈很能干' (My mom is very capable). It is a great word to use when you want to be polite and show respect to someone who is helping you or working hard. You might hear it when people talk about family members or people who are good at their jobs. Just remember: it describes people, not things! Don't use it for your phone or your computer. Use it for your friends, your teachers, or your parents. It's a simple, two-character word that makes your Chinese sound much more natural and friendly.

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At the A2 level, you can start using '能干' to describe specific people in your life more accurately. You should know that '能干' is an adjective. You can use it in the pattern 'Subject + 很 + 能干' or '能干的 + Person.' For example, '他是一个能干的工人' (He is a capable worker). At this level, you should also understand the difference between '能干' and '聪明' (cōngmíng - smart). A person can be smart but lazy, so they are not '能干.' A '能干' person is someone who actually finishes their work and does it well. You will often hear this word in daily life, especially when someone is being praised for being helpful or efficient. It's a key word for basic social interactions and giving compliments. You should also be able to use it in simple comparisons, like '他比我能干' (He is more capable than me).

By B1, you should be comfortable using '能干' in more varied contexts, such as the workplace or describing personality traits in detail. You should understand that '能干' implies both ability and a good work ethic. It is not just about having a skill; it's about the application of that skill. You can start using it with more advanced intensifiers like '非常' (fēicháng), '挺' (tǐng), or '特别' (tèbié). You should also be able to recognize it in reading passages about successful people or family dynamics. At this level, you should distinguish '能干' from the noun '能力' (nénglì). Remember: '他很有能力' (He has a lot of ability) vs. '他很能干' (He is very capable). You might also encounter the opposite, '不能干' or '不中用' (useless), though '不能干' is less common than simply saying '不努力' (not hardworking) or '没能力' (no ability).

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At the B2 level, you should appreciate the cultural weight of '能干.' It is often tied to the 'Confucian' value of industriousness. You should be able to use it in professional settings, such as writing a recommendation or describing a colleague's strengths. You should also start to notice the subtle difference between '能干' and similar words like '干练' (gànliàn) or '称职' (chènzhí). '能干' is more about the general quality of being a 'doer,' while '干练' is more about being sharp and experienced in a professional way. You can use '能干' in more complex sentence structures, such as '由于他工作能干，很快就得到了提升' (Because he worked capably, he was soon promoted). You should also be able to discuss the nuance of how '能干' might be used differently for men and women in traditional vs. modern Chinese society.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to use '能干' with precision and understand its use in literature and formal media. You should be aware of how the word can be used with a touch of irony or in specific idiomatic contexts. For example, in a political or historical text, a '能干的官员' (a capable official) might be praised for their administrative skills. You should also be able to use synonyms like '精明强干' (jīngmíng qiánggàn - shrewd and capable) to add sophistication to your descriptions. At this level, you should be able to analyze the word's components (能 and 干) and explain its etymology to others. You can use it to debate topics like workplace efficiency or the changing definitions of competence in the digital age. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, knowing exactly when '能干' is the perfect word versus when it might feel too common or simple.

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At the C2 level, you have a mastery of '能干' that includes its historical development and its place within the broader spectrum of Chinese adjectives for human character. You can use the word in high-level academic writing, literary analysis, or professional negotiation. You understand the philosophical implications of '能' and '干' in Chinese thought—the balance between potential and action. You can identify and use rare four-character idioms that incorporate the idea of being '能干,' and you can use the word to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as praising someone's 'domestic competence' in a way that acknowledges the labor involved. You are also sensitive to the regional variations in how such praise might be delivered across the Chinese-speaking world. For you, '能干' is not just a vocabulary word but a cultural concept that you can manipulate to achieve specific rhetorical effects.

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能干 in 30 Sekunden

能干 (nénggàn) is an A2-level Chinese adjective meaning 'capable' or 'competent,' primarily used to praise someone's practical work skills and efficiency.
It is most commonly used in the workplace to describe productive employees or at home to describe children and family members who are helpful.
The word is always used for people, never for objects, and is typically preceded by intensifiers like '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng).
It differs from '聪明' (smart) because it emphasizes 'doing' (干) rather than just 'knowing,' making it a highly valued trait in Chinese culture.

The Chinese word 能干 (nénggàn) is a cornerstone of daily appraisal and workplace evaluation in Chinese-speaking cultures. While it is often translated as 'capable' or 'competent,' its nuance goes much deeper than mere skill. In the Chinese linguistic worldview, being 能干 implies a proactive, hands-on ability to resolve problems and manage affairs with efficiency and reliability. It is not just about having the knowledge (which might be '聪明' cōngmíng or '智慧' zhìhuì) but about the physical and mental execution of tasks. When you call someone 能干, you are acknowledging their utility and their mastery over their environment, whether that is in the kitchen, at a construction site, or in a high-stakes boardroom.

Core Meaning: The ability to perform work efficiently and skillfully, often implying a practical or 'handy' nature.

王经理是一个非常能干的领导，总能解决难题。 (Manager Wang is a very capable leader; he can always solve difficult problems.)

The etymology of the word provides significant insight. The first character, 能 (néng), originally depicted a bear-like creature with great strength, eventually coming to mean 'ability' or 'can.' The second character, 干 (gàn), is a high-energy verb meaning 'to do,' 'to work,' or 'to act.' Combined, they describe someone who is 'able to do.' This distinguishes it from '能力' (nénglì), which is the noun for 'ability' or 'capacity.' While you might have the 能力 to do something, you are only 能干 if you actually do it well and consistently. It is a word that values results over potential.

Culturally, the concept of being 能干 is deeply tied to the Confucian work ethic. It suggests a person who is not lazy, who takes initiative, and who can be trusted to handle a task from start to finish without constant supervision. In a family context, a '能干' daughter-in-law or son-in-law is highly prized because it suggests they will bring order and prosperity to the household. In a modern corporate context, it is one of the highest compliments a subordinate can receive from a boss, as it indicates they are an asset to the team's productivity.

Usage Context: Used for professional competence, domestic efficiency, and general problem-solving prowess.

她不仅学习好，家务活也很能干。 (Not only is she good at studying, but she is also very capable at housework.)

Grammatically, 能干 (nénggàn) functions primarily as an adjective (or stative verb in linguistic terms). This means it can describe a person directly or modify a noun. Because it is a gradable adjective, it is almost always preceded by an intensifier like 很 (hěn - very), 非常 (fēicháng - extremely), or 挺 (tǐng - quite). You rarely say '他能干' on its own; instead, you would say '他很能干.' This structure is vital for sounding natural to native speakers.

Structure 1: Subject + Intensifier + 能干: Used to state that someone is capable. Example: 我的助手很能干 (My assistant is very capable).

你真是个能干的孩子！ (You really are a capable child!)

When using 能干 to modify a noun, you must use the structural particle 的 (de). For example, '一个能干的员工' (a capable employee). This allows you to build more complex sentences where '能干' describes specific roles. It is also common to see it used in comparative structures. For instance, '他比我能干多了' (He is much more capable than I am). This highlights the relative nature of competence in a competitive or social environment.

Another interesting usage is in the complement of result or degree. You can say '他干得很能干' (He does [the work] very capably), though this is less common than simply using it as a direct adjective. It is more frequent to hear it in exclamatory sentences where the speaker is impressed by someone's quick work. '这么快就修好了？你太能干了！' (You fixed it so fast? You are too capable!). Here, '太...了' adds an emotional weight to the praise.

Structure 2: 能干的 + Noun: Used to describe a person's attribute. Example: 能干的厨师 (A capable chef).

虽然他年轻，但是办事非常能干。 (Although he is young, he handles matters very capably.)

In the real world, you will encounter 能干 (nénggàn) in several distinct environments. The most frequent is the workplace. During performance reviews or casual office conversations, colleagues and supervisors use it to identify 'star performers.' If a boss says '小张很能干' (Xiao Zhang is very capable), it usually means Xiao Zhang is someone who gets things done without needing to be told twice. It is a badge of honor that often leads to promotions and increased responsibility.

Workplace Scenario: Used to describe employees who are efficient, resourceful, and reliable.

大家都说他是一个能干的业务员。 (Everyone says he is a capable salesman.)

Beyond the office, the word is ubiquitous in family life. Older generations in China frequently use 能干 to praise children or younger relatives who show independence. For example, if a teenager cooks a full meal for the family for the first time, a grandparent might exclaim, '这孩子真能干!' (This child is really capable!). In this context, it has a warm, affectionate tone. It emphasizes the transition from being cared for to being someone who can care for others. It is also used between spouses to acknowledge the hard work one partner does to maintain the household.

You will also hear it in social settings when people are discussing someone's reputation. It's a common adjective in 'guanxi' (relationship) building. If you are introducing a friend to a potential business partner, describing them as 能干 serves as a strong endorsement of their character and professional value. It bridges the gap between personal liking and professional respect. In TV dramas, particularly those focused on family or office politics, characters often strive to be seen as 能干 to earn the respect of their elders or superiors.

Family/Social Scenario: Used to praise children, spouses, or friends for their resourcefulness and helpfulness.

你妈妈真能干，把家里收拾得这么干净。 (Your mother is so capable; she keeps the house so clean.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing 能干 (nénggàn) with 能力 (nénglì). While they share the same first character, their parts of speech and meanings differ. 能力 is a noun meaning 'ability' or 'capacity.' You cannot say '他很能力' (He is very ability); you must say '他很有能力' (He has a lot of ability) or '他很能干' (He is very capable). Using the noun where the adjective is required is a hallmark of a beginner's mistake.

Mistake 1: Noun vs. Adjective: Using '能力' (noun) as an adjective. Correct: 他很能干 (He is capable). Incorrect: *他很能力.

不要说“他是一个能力的人”，要说“他是一个能干的人”。

Another mistake is applying 能干 to inanimate objects. In English, we might say a machine is 'capable,' but in Chinese, 能干 is almost exclusively reserved for people. If you want to say a computer is powerful or capable, you would use words like '强大' (qiángdà) or '性能好' (xìngnéng hǎo). Calling a car '能干' would sound very strange and personified to a native speaker, as if the car itself had a work ethic and a personality.

Finally, learners sometimes over-rely on 能干 when a more specific word is needed. While 能干 is a great general-purpose word, it lacks the precision of '专业' (zhuānyè - professional) or '熟练' (shúliàn - skilled/practiced). If someone is a master of a specific craft, '能干' might feel a bit too broad. It describes their general work attitude and effectiveness rather than their technical mastery. Using it too much can make your Chinese sound a bit repetitive.

Mistake 2: Applying to Objects: Using '能干' for machines or software. Correct: 这个软件功能强大. Incorrect: *这个软件很能干.

虽然他很能干，但他在这个专业领域还不够熟练。 (Although he is capable, he is not yet skilled enough in this professional field.)

To truly master the concept of competence in Chinese, you need to understand the family of words surrounding 能干 (nénggàn). Each has a slightly different flavor and situational appropriateness. Choosing the right one shows a high level of linguistic sophistication. Let's compare 能干 with its closest cousins: 厉害 (lìhai), 称职 (chènzhí), and 精明 (jīngmíng).

能干 vs. 厉害: '能干' focuses on work ethic and practical results. '厉害' is more general, meaning 'awesome,' 'formidable,' or 'impressive.' You can be '厉害' at chess, but you are '能干' at running an office.

称职 (chènzhí) is a more formal term, often used in official contexts. It literally means 'to fit the position.' While a person might be 能干 (generally capable), they are 称职 if they fulfill the specific requirements of their job description. If a teacher is 能干, they might be good at organizing school events and managing the classroom; if they are 称职, they are meeting all the educational standards expected of them.

他是个称职的医生，但谈不上特别能干。 (He is a competent doctor, but not particularly 'capable' [in a broader, resourceful sense].)

精明 (jīngmíng) is another interesting alternative. It translates to 'shrewd' or 'astute.' While 能干 implies hard work and physical/mental effort, 精明 implies cleverness, especially in business or financial matters. A 精明 person is good at not getting cheated and finding the best deals. A 能干 person is good at getting the job done. Often, a successful person is both 能干 and 精明.

Finally, consider 干练 (gànliàn). This word is very close to 能干 but carries a more professional and 'sharp' connotation. It describes someone who is capable and also very concise and experienced in their manner. It is often used to describe professional women in business (干练的职业女性). It suggests a certain level of sophistication and 'no-nonsense' attitude that 能干 doesn't necessarily emphasize.

Comparison Table Summary: 能干 (General capability), 厉害 (Impressive/Awesome), 称职 (Qualified for a role), 精明 (Shrewd/Clever), 干练 (Capable and experienced).

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The character '干' is one of the most versatile in Chinese, meaning 'to do,' 'dry,' or even 'trunk/main part.' In '能干,' it strictly means 'to do work.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /nəŋ.ɡæn/

US /nəŋ.ɡæn/

Second syllable (gàn) often receives a slight emphasis in natural speech, although Chinese is tonal.

Reimt sich auf

冷淡 (lěngdàn) 简单 (jiǎndān) 习惯 (xíguàn) 时间 (shíjiān) 灿烂 (cànlàn) 勇敢 (yǒnggǎn) 缓慢 (huǎnmàn) 平淡 (píngdàn)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing '干' (gàn) as 'gān' (1st tone). In this word, it must be 4th tone.
Muffling the 'ng' sound in 'néng'.
Confusing the 'an' in 'gàn' with 'en' (like 'gen').
Not giving the 4th tone enough 'drop' or force.
Pronouncing 'néng' like 'nóng'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common at the A2 level.

Schreiben 3/5

Writing '能' (néng) can be tricky for beginners due to its multiple strokes.

Sprechen 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but remember the 4th tone on 'gàn'.

Hören 2/5

Very common in spoken Chinese, easy to recognize.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

能干很人做

Als Nächstes lernen

努力聪明厉害成功表现

Fortgeschritten

精明强干称职干练才干韬光养晦

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Intensifiers

他【非常】能干。

The particle 'de' (的)

一个【能干的】人。

Comparative with 'bi' (比)

他【比】我能干。

Exclamatory 'zhen' (真)

你【真】能干！

Topic-Comment Structure

他【干活】很能干。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

我妈妈很能干。

My mom is very capable.

Subject + 很 + 能干.

你真能干！

You are really capable!

Exclamatory use with '真'.

他不怎么能干。

He is not very capable.

Negative use with '不怎么'.

老师很能干。

The teacher is very capable.

Simple adjective use.

这个孩子很能干。

This child is very capable.

Describing a child.

他们都很能干。

They are all very capable.

Plural subject.

能干的人很受欢迎。

Capable people are very popular.

Adjective modifying a noun.

你觉得她能干吗？

Do you think she is capable?

Question form.

他是一个非常能干的工人。

He is a very capable worker.

Using '的' to modify a noun.

她比她哥哥更能干。

She is more capable than her brother.

Comparative '比'.

我的助手办事很能干。

My assistant handles matters very capably.

Topic-comment structure.

小王在办公室里很能干。

Xiao Wang is very capable in the office.

Locative phrase '在...里'.

虽然他很年轻，但是很能干。

Although he is young, he is very capable.

Conjunction '虽然...但是'.

能干的人总是有很多工作。

Capable people always have a lot of work.

General statement.

我想做一个能干的人。

I want to be a capable person.

Verb '想做'.

你这么能干，一定能成功。

You are so capable, you will surely succeed.

Cause and effect.

他不仅聪明，而且做事非常能干。

He is not only smart but also very capable in his work.

Not only... but also (不仅...而且).

找一个能干的伙伴很重要。

It is important to find a capable partner.

Subject is a phrase.

他在家务活方面非常能干。

He is very capable in terms of housework.

Specific aspect '在...方面'.

由于她很能干，老板给她加了工资。

Because she is very capable, the boss gave her a raise.

Causal '由于'.

大家公认他是一个能干的领导。

Everyone recognizes him as a capable leader.

Passive/General recognition '公认'.

如果你不够能干，很难在这里生存。

If you are not capable enough, it's hard to survive here.

Conditional '如果'.

她那种能干的劲头让人佩服。

That capable spirit of hers makes people admire her.

Noun phrase '能干的劲头'.

我需要一个能干的人来帮我。

I need a capable person to help me.

Relative clause.

作为一名经理，你必须非常能干。

As a manager, you must be very capable.

Role-based '作为'.

他的能干是出了名的。

His capability is well-known.

Nominalization of '能干'.

她那种干练、能干的风格很受客户欢迎。

Her sharp and capable style is very popular with clients.

Compound adjectives.

别看他平时不说话，其实做事很能干。

Don't be fooled by his silence; he's actually very capable in his work.

Contrast '别看...其实'.

他确实是个能干的人，但有时太固执。

He is indeed a capable person, but sometimes too stubborn.

Concessive '但'.

在危机时刻，只有能干的人才能稳住局面。

In times of crisis, only capable people can stabilize the situation.

Restrictive '只有...才'.

公司正在寻找既能干又忠诚的员工。

The company is looking for employees who are both capable and loyal.

Parallel '既...又'.

他的能干体现在对细节的把控上。

His capability is reflected in his control over details.

Specific manifestation '体现在...上'.

他精明强干，是处理这类复杂事务的最佳人选。

He is shrewd and capable, making him the best candidate for handling such complex matters.

Use of idiom '精明强干'.

这种能干往往伴随着极大的压力。

This kind of capability is often accompanied by great pressure.

Abstract discussion.

她以能干著称，在业内享有极高的声誉。

She is famous for her capability and enjoys a very high reputation in the industry.

Formal '以...著称'.

与其说他聪明，不如说他能干。

It's not so much that he's smart as that he's capable.

Comparative '与其说...不如说'.

一个能干的政府应该能够预见并应对挑战。

A capable government should be able to foresee and respond to challenges.

Political context.

他虽然能干，但也难免会有疏忽的时候。

Although he is capable, it's inevitable that he will have moments of oversight.

Advanced concession '难免'.

她的能干不仅仅体现在工作上，还体现在对生活的经营上。

Her capability is not only reflected in her work but also in how she manages her life.

Not only... but also (不仅仅...还).

在那个艰苦的年代，只有最能干的人才能生存下来。

In those hard times, only the most capable people could survive.

Superlative sense.

他那过人的能干，使他在短短几年内便在京城站稳了脚跟。

His extraordinary capability allowed him to establish a firm foothold in the capital within just a few years.

Literary/Narrative style.

这种所谓的“能干”，在某种程度上是对个人精力的过度压榨。

This so-called 'capability' is, to some extent, an over-exploitation of individual energy.

Critical/Philosophical analysis.

历史证明，唯有能干且具有远见的领导者，方能开创盛世。

History proves that only leaders who are capable and visionary can create a golden age.

Formal/Archaic '唯有...方能'.

他为人谦逊，从不炫耀自己的能干。

He is humble and never shows off his capability.

Character description.

在错综复杂的政治斗争中，光靠能干是不够的。

In intricate political struggles, relying solely on capability is not enough.

Complex context.

她那几乎无所不能的能干，令同僚们既敬佩又感到畏惧。

Her almost omnipotent capability made her colleagues both admire and fear her.

Extreme description.

能干与否，往往取决于一个人对事业的热爱程度。

Whether one is capable or not often depends on their degree of passion for their career.

Binary condition '与否'.

他身上体现出一种典型的中国式能干：隐忍、务实且高效。

He embodies a typical Chinese-style capability: patient, pragmatic, and efficient.

Cultural analysis.

Häufige Kollokationen

非常能干

能干的助手

办事能干

精明能干

天生能干

表现能干

显得能干

夸他能干

极其能干

能干的妻子

Häufige Phrasen

真能干

— Really capable; a very common short compliment.

这孩子真能干！

挺能干的

— Quite capable; a more casual way to express the same idea.

新来的员工挺能干的。

别提多能干了

— Indescribably capable; used for emphasis.

他干起活来，别提多能干了。

能干出一番事业

— To be able to build a great career or achieve something big.

只要努力，你一定能干出一番事业。

谁更能干

— Who is more capable; used in comparisons.

你们两个看谁更能干。

一向能干

— Has always been capable.

他一向是个能干的人。

既聪明又能干

— Both smart and capable; a high compliment.

她既聪明又能干。

出了名的能干

— Famous for being capable.

他在村里是出了名的能干。

看你这能干劲儿

— Look at how capable/hardworking you are (often said with a smile).

看你这能干劲儿，快歇会儿吧。

确实能干

— Indeed capable; confirming someone's reputation.

他确实很能干。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

能干 vs 能力

Noun vs. Adjective. '能力' is ability; '能干' is the quality of being capable.

能干 vs 厉害

'厉害' is more general (awesome/formidable), while '能干' is specifically about work/tasks.

能干 vs 聪明

'聪明' is smart (intellect), '能干' is capable (practical action).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"精明强干"

— Shrewd and capable; describes someone who is both clever and hardworking.

他是个精明强干的领导者。

Formal

"精明能干"

— Astute and competent; very similar to '精明强干'.

公司需要精明能干的人才。

Neutral

"聪明能干"

— Smart and capable; a common way to describe talented individuals.

这孩子从小就聪明能干。

Neutral

"精明能干的人才"

— Shrewd and capable talents; often used in HR contexts.

我们正在寻找精明能干的人才。

Formal

"能干大事"

— Capable of doing great things; implies leadership and ambition.

他是个能干大事的人。

Neutral

"勤劳能干"

— Hardworking and capable; emphasizes the effort put in.

中国人民勤劳能干。

Neutral

"精干力量"

— Capable and efficient force/team; often used in military or corporate contexts.

派出精干力量去解决问题。

Formal

"外强中干"

— Strong on the outside but weak on the inside (uses the character '干' but in a different sense).

这个敌人其实是外强中干。

Literary

"干练利落"

— Capable, experienced, and efficient.

她做事一向干练利落。

Neutral

"能者多劳"

— The able ones should do more work (often used as an excuse to give capable people more tasks).

能者多劳，这事还得麻烦你。

Idiomatic

Leicht verwechselbar

能干 vs 才能

Both contain '能'.

'才能' is a noun meaning 'talent' or 'ability.' '能干' is an adjective.

他很有才能，也很能干。

能干 vs 干活

Both contain '干'.

'干活' is a verb meaning 'to work' or 'to do chores.' '能干' describes the person.

他在干活，他很能干。

能干 vs 干练

Similar meaning.

'干练' is more formal and implies experience and a sharp professional manner.

她是一位干练的女强人。

能干 vs 称职

Both mean competent.

'称职' means you fulfill your specific job duties well. '能干' is a broader personal trait.

他是一个称职的会计。

能干 vs 精明

Often used together.

'精明' means shrewd or clever, especially in not being cheated. '能干' means good at doing tasks.

他很精明，也很能干。

Satzmuster

S + 很能干。

我爸爸很能干。

S 是一个能干的 + N。

他是一个能干的老师。

S 办事/干活很能干。

小王办事很能干。

S 比 O 能干。

她比她弟弟能干。

S 既...又能干。

他既听话又能干。

S 以能干著称。

这家公司以能干著称。

S 的能干体现在...上。

他的能干体现在处理危机上。

唯有能干的人方能...

唯有能干的人方能担此重任。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

能力 (nénglì - ability)

才能 (cáinéng - talent)

干劲 (gànjìn - enthusiasm/drive)

Verben

干 (gàn - to do/work)

能够 (nénggòu - can/be able to)

Adjektive

能干 (nénggàn - capable)

干练 (gànliàn - efficient/sharp)

Verwandt

聪明 (cōngmíng)

勤快 (qínkuai)

厉害 (lìhai)

称职 (chènzhí)

精明 (jīngmíng)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Chinese.

Häufige Fehler

Using '能干' for a computer. → 这个电脑性能很好。
'能干' is only for people.
Saying '他很能力' (He is very ability). → 他很能干 / 他很有能力。
'能力' is a noun; '能干' is an adjective.
Pronouncing '干' as 'gān' (1st tone). → 能干 (nénggàn - 4th tone).
In this context, '干' must be 4th tone.
Using '能干' to mean 'smart'. → 他很聪明。
While related, '能干' is about work, '聪明' is about intelligence.
Leaving out '的' in '能干人'. → 能干的人。
Adjectives usually need '的' before the noun they modify.

Tipps

Always use an intensifier

In a simple 'A is B' sentence, always put '很' before '能干' to sound natural.

The 'Doing' Part

Remember that '干' means 'to do.' Use this word for people who actually take action.

Tone Mastery

Practice the 4th tone on 'gàn' by making it sound like a short, sharp command.

Complimenting

This is one of the best words to use when you want to impress a Chinese boss or mother-in-law.

Character Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of '能' to make your handwriting look professional.

Context Clues

If you hear 'gàn' and the topic is work, it's almost certainly '能干'.

Mix it up

Try using '精明能干' for someone who is both smart and hardworking.

Humility

If someone calls you '能干,' a good response is '哪里哪里' (Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ - not at all) to show humility.

People Only

Never use '能干' for tools, machines, or software.

The Bear Mnemonic

Remember the bear in '能' - it takes a strong bear to '干' (do) all that work!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Néng' as 'Can' and 'Gàn' as 'Go'. If you 'Can Go' and do the work, you are 'Nénggàn'!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person with a superhero cape (representing '能' - power) holding a hammer and a wrench (representing '干' - work).

Word Web

Work Efficiency Reliable Skills Industrious Compliment Handy Proactive

Herausforderung

Try to use '能干' to compliment a friend or colleague today. Notice how it makes them feel respected for their hard work.

Wortherkunft

The word is a compound of two ancient characters. '能' (néng) originally depicted a bear, a symbol of power and physical ability. '干' (gàn) evolved from a pictograph of a weapon or tool, later coming to represent active labor or management.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To have the power to act or perform work.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Kultureller Kontext

None. It is a universally positive and safe word to use.

In English, we might say 'competent' or 'efficient,' but '能干' often carries a warmer, more personal tone of praise than 'efficient' does.

Commonly used in 'The Dream of the Red Chamber' to describe characters like Wang Xifeng. Frequently appears in modern Chinese workplace dramas to describe the 'strong female lead' archetype. Often used in political speeches to describe the 'spirit of the Chinese worker'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

In the Office

他工作很能干
能干的员工
办事能干
提拔能干的人

At Home

家务活很能干
真能干的孩子
能干的妻子
夸奖孩子能干

Repairing Something

你真能干，修好了
干活利索能干
手脚能干
这人很能干

School/Learning

学生很能干
组织活动很能干
既聪明又能干
能干的学生干部

Socializing

介绍一个能干的朋友
听说明很能干
大家都说他能干
他确实能干

Gesprächseinstiege

"你觉得什么样的员工才算得上是‘能干’？"

"在你家里，谁是最能干的人？"

"如果你有一个很能干的助手，你会让他做什么？"

"你觉得自己是一个能干的人吗？为什么？"

"在你的国家，人们怎么夸奖一个能干的人？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

写一写你认识的最能干的一个人，他/她做了什么让你觉得他/她很能干？

描述一次你觉得自己非常能干的经历。你解决了什么问题？

你认为‘聪明’和‘能干’哪个更重要？请给出你的理由。

如果你的老板夸你很能干，你会有什么感觉？你会怎么回答？

谈谈如何才能成为一个更能干的人。你需要学习哪些技能？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, '能干' is only for people. For a computer, use '性能好' (xìngnéng hǎo - good performance) or '功能强大' (gōngnéng qiángdà - powerful functions).

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from praising a child to writing a professional reference.

'能干' is an adjective (capable), while '有能力' is a phrase (has ability). '能干' often implies a more proactive, 'hands-on' attitude.

In Chinese, it is an adjective. However, its translation 'capability' or 'competence' is a noun in English. In Chinese, the noun form would be '能力'.

Almost never. It is a very positive compliment. However, in a sarcastic tone, one might say '你真能干' if someone made a mess, but this is rare.

You can say '很能干', '非常能干', or '特别能干'.

Yes! It is one of the most common ways to praise children when they help out or learn a new skill.

The most direct opposite is '不能干', but people often use '笨拙' (clumsy) or '没能力' (no ability) instead.

Occasionally, if an animal performs a task very well (like a sheepdog), but it's much more common for humans.

Often yes, but specifically it implies being 'street smart' or 'work smart'—having the practical intelligence to get things done.

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