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A2 adjective #3,000 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

능력 있다

neungnyeok itda
At the A1 level, you can think of '능력 있다' as a way to say someone is 'good' or 'can do things.' You might not use the full phrase often, but you will recognize '능력' (ability) and '있다' (to have). At this stage, you focus on simple sentences like '그 사람은 능력이 있어요' (That person has ability). You learn that it's a positive thing to say about someone. You might use it to describe a teacher who explains things well or a friend who is good at a game. It's a basic building block for describing people's qualities beyond just their appearance. You should focus on the present tense and the basic meaning of 'being capable.'
At the A2 level, you start using '능력 있다' to describe people in your life more specifically. You can use the noun-modifying form '능력 있는' to say things like '능력 있는 선생님' (a capable teacher). You understand that this phrase is often used in work contexts. You begin to see the difference between 'smart' (똑똑하다) and 'capable' (능력 있다). You can also use the negative form '능력 없다' to describe situations where someone lacks the power to do something, though you learn to be careful with its tone. You might use it in simple past tense to talk about someone's achievements. You are also introduced to the idea that '능력' can refer to money or social status in certain contexts.
At the B1 level, you use '능력 있다' with more nuance. You can combine it with adverbs like '상당히' (considerably) or '의외로' (surprisingly). You understand the cultural implication that being 'capable' is a key virtue in Korean society. You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '능력 있는 사람이 되고 싶어요' (I want to become a capable person). You also start to distinguish '능력' from '실력' (skill) and '재능' (talent). You can participate in discussions about workplace dynamics using this term. You also recognize the slang '능력자' from variety shows and understand it refers to someone who is 'the best' or 'a pro' at something.
At the B2 level, you are comfortable using '능력 있다' and its synonyms like '유능하다' in professional and academic settings. You understand the subtle social pressure associated with the word '능력' in Korea (the 'competition society'). You can use the phrase to discuss abstract concepts, such as '정치적 능력' (political capability) or '해결 능력' (problem-solving ability). You can use it in conditional sentences like '능력만 있다면 무엇이든 할 수 있어요' (If only one has the ability, they can do anything). You also understand how to use the phrase in formal reports or during interviews to describe your own professional strengths without sounding arrogant.
At the C1 level, you grasp the deep socio-economic connotations of '능력 있다.' You can discuss the 'meritocracy' (능력주의) in Korea and how the definition of 'capability' has changed over generations. You use the phrase in complex rhetorical structures and can identify when it is being used sarcastically or euphemistically. You are proficient in using related Hanja-based vocabulary like '잠재력' (potential), '역량' (competency), and '권능' (authority/power). You can analyze literature or news articles that critique the social obsession with being '능력 있는.' Your usage is natural, incorporating the correct particles and honorifics depending on the social hierarchy of the conversation.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of '능력 있다.' You understand its philosophical implications regarding human agency and power. You can use the term in high-level legal, philosophical, or technical discourses. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word '능력' from traditional contexts to modern neo-liberal usage. You can effortlessly switch between colloquial slang like '능력치' (ability stats in games) and highly formal terms like '직무 수행 능력' (job performance capability). You can use the phrase to express subtle irony or to provide profound praise that acknowledges both effort and innate talent.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

능력 있다 en 30 secondes

  • Means 'to be capable' or 'competent'.
  • Used for professional and personal skills.
  • Highly positive compliment in Korean culture.
  • Can imply financial or social success.

The phrase 능력 있다 (neung-nyeok it-da) is a foundational Korean expression used to describe someone who possesses the skill, talent, or capacity to perform tasks effectively. In a literal sense, it combines the noun 능력 (ability/capacity) with the adjective 있다 (to exist/to have). However, its usage in Korean society carries a weight that extends beyond mere technical proficiency; it often implies that a person is competent, successful, and reliable in a professional or social context.

Core Concept
Possessing the necessary power or skill to achieve a goal.
Social Nuance
Often used to describe 'high-flyers' or people who are economically and professionally stable.
Grammatical Function
Acts as a descriptive verb (adjective) phrase that can modify nouns as '능력 있는'.

When you say someone is 능력 있다, you are offering a high compliment. It suggests that they are not just 'good' at something, but that they have the intrinsic 'power' (력/力) to get things done. This is why it is frequently heard in corporate environments, academic settings, and even in the dating world, where 'capability' is a highly valued trait.

"우리 팀장님은 정말 능력 있는 분이세요." (Our team leader is a truly capable person.)

Historically, the term '능력' has roots in Hanja (Chinese characters). 능 (能) means 'ability' or 'can,' and 력 (力) means 'strength' or 'force.' Together, they represent the 'strength of can-do.' In modern Korea, this has evolved to include financial capability, problem-solving skills, and social intelligence.

"돈도 잘 벌고 일도 잘하니 정말 능력 있네." (He makes good money and works well, so he's really capable.)

It is important to distinguish this from simply being 'smart' (똑똑하다). While a smart person has knowledge, a 능력 있는 person has the practical application of that knowledge to produce results. It is the difference between theory and practice.

Workplace Usage
Used during performance reviews or when recommending someone for a promotion.
Daily Life
Used to describe a friend who is good at fixing things or managing their life efficiently.

"제 여자친구는 외국어를 5개나 할 줄 아는 능력자예요." (My girlfriend is a capable person who can speak five languages.)

Using 능력 있다 correctly requires understanding how it functions as an adjective phrase. Unlike English where 'capable' is a single word, Korean uses a noun-adjective combination. This affects how you conjugate it and how you use it to describe people.

1. Basic Conjugation

In its base form, it is 능력 있다. In polite spoken Korean, it becomes 능력 있어요. In formal settings, it is 능력 있습니다. When describing a noun (e.g., 'a capable person'), it changes to 능력 있는.

  • Present: 능력 있어요 (Polite), 능력 있어 (Informal)
  • Past: 능력 있었어요 (Was capable)
  • Noun Modifying: 능력 있는 사람 (A capable person)

2. Adding Emphasis

To emphasize how capable someone is, you can add adverbs like 정말 (really), 매우 (very), or 상당히 (considerably). You can also use the particle -이/가 to emphasize the 'ability' itself: 능력이 아주 뛰어나다 (Ability is very outstanding).

"그는 신입사원이지만 아주 능력 있어요." (He is a new employee but is very capable.)

3. Negative Form

The opposite of 있다 is 없다. Therefore, to say someone is incapable, you use 능력 없다. However, be careful as this can sound quite harsh or insulting in Korean culture.

"능력 없는 사람처럼 보이고 싶지 않아요." (I don't want to look like an incapable person.)

4. Contextual Nuances

In business, 능력 있다 usually refers to meeting KPIs, leadership, and technical skills. In social contexts, it might refer to 'spec' (specifications like education and certificates) or even financial status. When a parent says their child's spouse is 능력 있다, they often mean the person has a good, stable job.

You will encounter 능력 있다 in various facets of Korean life. It is a high-frequency term because Korean culture places a strong emphasis on competence and achievement.

1. In the Office (Workplace)

This is perhaps the most common place. Managers use it to evaluate staff, and colleagues use it to praise one another. You'll hear it in meetings, performance reviews, and water-cooler gossip.

"김 대리는 일 처리가 빨라서 정말 능력 있어." (Assistant Manager Kim is really capable because he processes work quickly.)

2. In K-Dramas and Movies

The 'capable' lead is a staple trope. Whether it's a 'Chaebol' heir who is actually good at business or a hardworking doctor, characters are often described as 능력 있는 to establish their worthiness as a protagonist.

3. In Job Interviews

Interviewers look for 능력 있는 인재 (capable talent). Candidates often try to prove their '능력' by listing their experiences and certifications.

4. Social and Romantic Contexts

When introducing someone to friends or family, saying they are 능력 있다 is a way to vouch for their character and stability. It implies they can take care of themselves and others.

While the phrase is straightforward, learners often make subtle errors in nuance or grammar when using 능력 있다.

1. Confusing with '잘하다' (To do well)

잘하다 is a verb focusing on the action. 능력 있다 is an adjective focusing on the state of the person. You 'do' something well (축구를 잘하다), but you 'are' a capable person (능력 있는 사람). You wouldn't usually say '능력 있게 축구하다'.

2. Overusing '능력 없다'

As mentioned, 능력 없다 is very strong. If you want to say someone isn't good at a specific task, it's better to say 잘 못하다 (can't do well) or 서툴다 (unskilled/clumsy). Calling someone 능력 없는 사람 can feel like a personal attack on their entire existence.

3. Incorrect Particle Usage

Learners sometimes use 능력을 있다. This is incorrect because 있다 is an adjective and cannot take an object marker (을/를). It must be 능력이 있다 or just 능력 있다.

4. Mixing up '실력' and '능력'

실력 (skill/ability) is usually used for learned skills (like language or sports). 능력 is broader and can include innate talent or general competence. You show your 실력, but you possess 능력.

❌ "그는 한국어 능력이 좋아요." (Natural: 한국어 실력이 좋아요.)

To enrich your Korean, you should know other words that overlap with 능력 있다 but offer different shades of meaning.

유능하다 (Yu-neung-ha-da)
Highly competent or efficient. This is a more formal, academic-sounding version of '능력 있다'. It is often used in professional writing.
실력 있다 (Sil-lyeok it-da)
To have the actual skills or proficiency. Used when someone is genuinely good at a specific craft or subject.
수완이 좋다 (Su-wan-i jot-da)
To be resourceful or have good 'business sense.' This describes someone who is good at handling people and situations to get what they want.
재능 있다 (Jae-neung it-da)
To be talented. This refers more to innate, natural gifts (like music or art) rather than general professional capability.

Choosing the right word depends on what kind of 'ability' you are highlighting. If you want to sound professional, use 유능하다. If you are talking about a specific skill, use 실력 있다.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Informel

""

Argot

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

그 사람은 능력이 있어요.

That person is capable.

Basic subject + adjective phrase.

2

선생님은 정말 능력 있어요.

The teacher is really capable.

Use of '정말' for emphasis.

3

능력 있는 친구가 많아요.

I have many capable friends.

Noun-modifying form '능력 있는'.

4

우리 아빠는 능력 있어요.

My dad is capable.

Describing family members.

5

그녀는 일에 능력이 있어요.

She has ability in her work.

Specifying the field with '에'.

6

능력 있어 보여요.

You look capable.

-아/어 보여요 (looks like).

7

저도 능력 있는 사람이 되고 싶어요.

I also want to be a capable person.

-고 싶어요 (want to).

8

그는 능력이 없어요.

He is not capable.

Negative form '없다'.

1

능력 있는 직원을 뽑고 싶습니다.

I want to hire a capable employee.

Formal polite ending -습니다.

2

제 친구는 요리에 능력이 있어요.

My friend is capable at cooking.

Noun + 에 능력이 있다.

3

그 배우는 연기 능력이 아주 뛰어나요.

That actor's acting ability is very outstanding.

Using '뛰어나다' (outstanding) with '능력'.

4

돈이 많은 것보다 능력 있는 것이 중요해요.

Being capable is more important than having a lot of money.

-보다 (than) comparison.

5

능력 있으면 어디서든 일할 수 있어요.

If you are capable, you can work anywhere.

-(으)면 (if) conditional.

6

그는 젊지만 아주 능력 있는 리더예요.

He is young but a very capable leader.

-지만 (but) contrast.

7

능력을 보여줄 기회가 없었어요.

I didn't have a chance to show my ability.

Past tense '없었어요'.

8

그녀는 모든 일을 능력 있게 처리해요.

She handles everything capably.

Adverbial form '능력 있게'.

1

그는 위기 상황에서 대처하는 능력이 있어요.

He has the ability to cope in crisis situations.

Noun-modifying clause -는 능력.

2

능력 있는 사람일수록 겸손해야 합니다.

The more capable a person is, the more humble they should be.

-(으)ㄹ수록 (the more... the more...).

3

그 회사는 능력 위주로 사람을 뽑아요.

That company hires people based on ability.

위주로 (focusing on/based on).

4

자신의 능력을 믿는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to believe in your own abilities.

Gerund form -는 것.

5

그는 사회적 능력이 부족한 편이에요.

He is on the side of lacking social skills.

-는 편이다 (tend to/on the side of).

6

능력 있다고 해서 거만하면 안 돼요.

Just because you are capable doesn't mean you should be arrogant.

-다고 해서 (just because...).

7

그녀는 문제를 해결하는 능력이 탁월해요.

She is excellent at solving problems.

탁월하다 (excellent/superior).

8

이번 프로젝트를 통해 제 능력을 증명하고 싶어요.

I want to prove my ability through this project.

통해 (through/via).

1

현대 사회에서는 적응 능력이 필수적입니다.

Adaptability is essential in modern society.

Abstract noun '적응 능력'.

2

그는 다방면에서 능력을 발휘하고 있습니다.

He is demonstrating his abilities in various fields.

능력을 발휘하다 (to demonstrate/display ability).

3

능력 있는 인재를 확보하는 것이 기업의 과제입니다.

Securing capable talent is a task for companies.

Formal business vocabulary '확보', '과제'.

4

그의 능력은 이미 업계에서 정평이 나 있어요.

His ability is already well-known in the industry.

정평이 나다 (to be well-established/well-known).

5

외국어 능력은 취업에 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Foreign language ability is a big help in getting a job.

Compound noun '외국어 능력'.

6

능력이 부족하다면 노력을 더 해야죠.

If your ability is lacking, you should put in more effort.

-다면 (if - hypothetical).

7

그는 타고난 능력이 아니라 노력으로 성공했어요.

He succeeded through effort, not innate ability.

A-이/가 아니라 B (Not A but B).

8

정부는 국민의 구매 능력을 높이기 위해 노력 중입니다.

The government is trying to increase the purchasing power of the people.

Economic term '구매 능력' (purchasing power).

1

능력주의의 함정에 빠지지 않도록 경계해야 합니다.

We must be wary of falling into the trap of meritocracy.

Complex social concept '능력주의' (meritocracy).

2

그의 지도력은 조직의 잠재 능력을 이끌어냈습니다.

His leadership brought out the potential of the organization.

잠재 능력 (potential ability).

3

개인의 능력을 객관적으로 평가하기란 쉽지 않습니다.

It is not easy to objectively evaluate an individual's ability.

-기란 (as for doing...).

4

그녀는 복잡한 사안을 분석하는 능력이 남다릅니다.

Her ability to analyze complex issues is extraordinary.

남다르다 (to be unusual/extraordinary).

5

디지털 문해력은 현대인의 필수 능력 중 하나입니다.

Digital literacy is one of the essential abilities of modern people.

문해력 (literacy) as a type of 능력.

6

능력 있는 자가 살아남는 것이 시장의 논리입니다.

It is the logic of the market that the capable survive.

Formal/Philosophical tone.

7

그는 자신의 능력을 과신하다가 큰 실수를 저질렀습니다.

He made a big mistake by overestimating his abilities.

과신하다 (to over-trust/overestimate).

8

인공지능의 능력이 인간을 추월할 날이 올까요?

Will the day come when AI's capabilities surpass humans?

추월하다 (to overtake/surpass).

1

인간의 인지 능력은 환경과의 상호작용을 통해 형성됩니다.

Human cognitive abilities are formed through interaction with the environment.

Academic/Scientific terminology.

2

국가 경쟁력은 국민 개개인의 역량에 달려 있습니다.

National competitiveness depends on the capabilities of individual citizens.

-에 달려 있다 (depends on).

3

그는 권력의 핵심에서 자신의 통치 능력을 가감 없이 보여주었습니다.

At the core of power, he showed his governing abilities without filter.

가감 없이 (without adding or subtracting/honestly).

4

자아실현은 자신의 잠재적 능력을 최대한 발현하는 과정입니다.

Self-actualization is the process of manifesting one's potential abilities to the fullest.

Philosophical context.

5

법적 대응 능력의 유무가 재판의 승패를 가르기도 합니다.

The presence or absence of legal response capability sometimes determines the outcome of a trial.

유무 (presence or absence).

6

그 학자의 통찰 능력은 학계에 큰 파장을 일으켰습니다.

That scholar's insight caused a great stir in the academic world.

통찰 능력 (insightful ability).

7

기술의 진보는 인간의 신체적 능력을 확장시키고 있습니다.

Technological progress is expanding human physical capabilities.

확장시키다 (to expand/extend).

8

초월적 존재의 능력을 인간의 언어로 규정하기는 불가능합니다.

It is impossible to define the abilities of a transcendent being in human language.

Theological/Metaphysical context.

Collocations courantes

업무 능력이 있다
해결 능력이 있다
언어 능력이 있다
경제적 능력이 있다
능력 있는 사람
능력을 인정받다
능력을 발휘하다
능력을 키우다
잠재 능력이 있다
학습 능력이 있다

Phrases Courantes

능력자 (Neung-nyeok-ja) - A person with great ability.

능력껏 (Neung-nyeok-kkeot) - To the best of one's ability.

능력 밖이다 (Neung-nyeok bakk-ida) - To be beyond one's ability.

능력 위주 (Neung-nyeok wi-ju) - Merit-based / Ability-centered.

능력 사회 (Neung-nyeok sa-hoe) - Meritocratic society.

능력이 출중하다 (Neung-nyeoki chul-jung-hada) - To have outstanding ability.

능력이 안 되다 (Neung-nyeoki an doeda) - To not have enough ability/resources.

능력을 썩히다 (Neung-nyeokeul sseok-hida) - To let one's talent go to waste.

능력 있는 척하다 (Neung-nyeok it-neun cheok-hada) - To pretend to be capable.

능력 평가 (Neung-nyeok pyeong-ga) - Ability evaluation.

Souvent confondu avec

능력 있다 vs 실력

실력 is learned skill (like piano); 능력 is broader competence.

능력 있다 vs 재능

재능 is innate talent (born with it); 능력 can be developed or general.

능력 있다 vs 권력

권력 is political or social power over others; 능력 is personal capability.

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

능력 있다 vs

능력 있다 vs

능력 있다 vs

능력 있다 vs

능력 있다 vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

Social

Commonly used to describe 'good catches' in the dating market.

Caution

Avoid using '능력 없다' to someone's face unless you mean to insult them.

Professional

Highly appropriate for workplace compliments.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '능력을 있다' instead of '능력이 있다'.
  • Using '능력 있다' to mean 'smart' in an academic sense only.
  • Calling a boss '능력 없어' (very dangerous!).
  • Confusing '능력' with '실력' when talking about language proficiency.
  • Forgetting to nasalize the pronunciation (saying Neung-ryeok instead of Neung-nyeok).

Astuces

Noun Modifying

Always use '능력 있는' when describing a person directly (e.g., 능력 있는 의사).

Complimenting

Use this phrase to show high respect for someone's professional achievements.

Hanja Roots

Remember 'Ryeok' (力) means power. It appears in many words like '체력' (physical strength) and '노력' (effort).

Natural Sound

Say '능력 있네!' when you are impressed by a friend's skill in real-time.

Professionalism

In a resume, use '역량' (competency) instead of '능력' for a more sophisticated feel.

Networking

Mentioning someone's '능력' is a great way to introduce them to a third party.

Negative Form

Avoid '능력 없다' in professional settings; use '부족하다' (lacking) instead.

Pronunciation

The 'ㄱ' in '능력' changes to a 'ㅇ' sound due to the following 'ㄹ', which becomes 'ㄴ'.

Smart vs Capable

Remember that '똑똑하다' is about brainpower, while '능력 있다' is about results.

Slang

Use '능력자' playfully when a friend does something surprisingly well.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean origin, emphasizing the 'force' or 'power' to do something.

Contexte culturel

On blind dates, people often ask about the other person's '능력' to gauge their career level.

Calling a subordinate '능력 있다' is the highest form of praise and usually precedes a promotion.

The hashtag #능력자 is used to tag people doing impressive things, from art to sports.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"어떤 능력을 가장 갖고 싶어요? (What ability do you want to have the most?)"

"그 사람은 정말 능력 있는 것 같아요, 그렇죠? (That person seems really capable, right?)"

"능력 있는 사람의 기준이 뭐라고 생각하세요? (What do you think is the standard for a capable person?)"

"요즘은 어떤 능력이 가장 중요할까요? (What ability is most important these days?)"

"자신의 가장 큰 능력이 무엇이라고 생각합니까? (What do you think is your greatest ability?)"

Sujets d'écriture

내가 가진 능력 세 가지에 대해 써보세요. (Write about three abilities you have.)

능력 있는 사람이 되기 위해 무엇을 하고 있나요? (What are you doing to become a capable person?)

돈과 능력 중 무엇이 더 중요하다고 생각하나요? (Which do you think is more important, money or ability?)

내가 존경하는 능력 있는 사람에 대해 설명해 보세요. (Describe a capable person you respect.)

미래에 필요한 새로운 능력은 무엇일까요? (What will be the new abilities needed in the future?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it can refer to any kind of capability, including social skills, hobbies, or financial stability. However, it is most commonly used in professional or achievement-oriented contexts.

'능력 있다' is more common in daily speech, while '유능하다' is more formal and often used in writing or official evaluations. They mean the same thing.

It's better to be humble in Korean. Instead of saying '저는 능력 있어요', say '저는 ~을 잘합니다' or '저는 ~에 경험이 많습니다'. Use '능력 있다' mostly for others.

Yes, it means 'a person with ability.' It's a standard word but also used as popular slang for someone who is incredibly good at something.

You can say '능력을 키우려고 노력하고 있어요' or '실력을 쌓고 있어요'.

Almost always. It implies the person is useless or incompetent. Use it very carefully.

It literally means 'economic ability,' but it's the standard way to say someone is financially stable or wealthy.

Yes, for example, '처리 능력' (processing power/ability) of a computer.

It means 'meritocracy,' the idea that people should progress based on their abilities rather than wealth or social class.

It becomes '능력 있는'. For example: '능력 있는 사람' (A capable person).

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