能力强
能力强 en 30 secondes
- Means 'highly capable' or 'strong ability'.
- Used for professional and personal praise.
- Commonly paired with degree adverbs like '很'.
- Essential for workplace and academic contexts.
The phrase 能力强 (nénglì qiáng) is a cornerstone of professional and personal evaluation in Chinese-speaking environments. At its core, it translates to 'having strong ability' or 'being highly capable.' It is not just a simple adjective but a compound assessment of a person's efficiency, skill set, and reliability. In Chinese culture, where meritocracy and hard work are deeply valued, being described as someone whose 能力强 is one of the highest compliments a colleague, manager, or teacher can bestow upon you. It suggests that no matter the task, you possess the requisite skills to execute it successfully and with high quality.
- Literal Breakdown
- The term is composed of three characters: 能 (néng) meaning 'can' or 'ability,' 力 (lì) meaning 'power' or 'force,' and 强 (qiáng) meaning 'strong.' Combined, 'Ability-Power' (能力) meets 'Strong' (强).
- Professional Context
- In a workplace setting, this phrase is used during performance reviews, hiring processes, and team discussions to identify 'star players' who can handle pressure and complex projects.
- Academic Context
- Teachers use it to describe students who not only get good grades but also show exceptional problem-solving skills or leadership in group activities.
王经理办事果断,能力强,大家都佩服他。 (Manager Wang is decisive and highly capable; everyone admires him.)
Understanding the nuance of this phrase requires looking at the cultural weight of the word '强'. In English, we might say someone is 'good at their job,' but '能力强' implies a level of dominance and mastery over one's field. It is often paired with adverbs of degree like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 特别 (tèbié) to emphasize the extent of the person's competence. Unlike Western cultures that might focus on individual 'talents,' the Chinese concept of 能力 often encompasses both innate talent and the results of rigorous training and experience. Therefore, when you say someone has 能力强, you are acknowledging their history of success and their potential for future achievement.
Furthermore, the phrase is versatile. It can refer to specific types of abilities, such as 学习能力强 (strong learning ability), 沟通能力强 (strong communication skills), or 执行能力强 (strong execution/implementation skills). This adaptability makes it a vital tool for anyone navigating the Chinese professional landscape. When you hear this phrase, you should visualize someone who is not just 'okay' at what they do, but someone who stands out as a high-performer. It is the gold standard for describing a competent individual in modern Mandarin.
Using 能力强 correctly involves understanding basic Chinese sentence structures, particularly the 'Subject + Adverb + Adjective' pattern. Because 能力强 functions as an adjectival phrase (noun + adjective), it usually follows a degree adverb like 很 (very) or 非常 (extremely). You rarely say '她是能力强的人' without a degree modifier, though it is grammatically possible; it sounds more natural to say '她的能力很强' (Her ability is very strong).
- Pattern 1: Subject + (Possessive) + 能力 + 很/非常 + 强
- Example: 他的个人能力很强。 (His personal ability is very strong.) This is the most standard way to use the phrase.
- Pattern 2: [Specific Skill] + 能力 + 强
- Example: 那个新员工的适应能力强。 (That new employee's ability to adapt is strong.)
虽然他年纪小,但能力强,能独立完成任务。 (Although he is young, he is capable and can complete tasks independently.)
When constructing sentences, it is important to remember that 能力强 is an evaluation. Therefore, it is often found in sentences that provide a reason or a result. For example, 'Because he is capable, he was promoted' (因为他能力强,所以他被提拔了). It can also be used in comparisons using the 比 (bǐ) structure: '小张比小李能力强' (Xiao Zhang is more capable than Xiao Li).
In more formal writing, such as a CV or a formal recommendation letter, you might see it as part of a longer descriptive phrase: '具备极强的组织协调能力' (Possesses extremely strong organizational and coordination abilities). Here, 能力 and 强 are separated by the specific type of ability, but the meaning remains consistent. It is also common to see the negative form: 能力不强 or 能力一般 (average ability). However, in Chinese culture, calling someone 能力不强 is quite a direct criticism, so it is often softened in polite conversation.
You will encounter 能力强 in a variety of real-world scenarios, primarily those related to work, school, and competitive sports. In the modern Chinese corporate world, which is often characterized by high competition (sometimes referred to as 内卷 nèijuǎn or 'involution'), being 'capable' is the most sought-after trait. You will hear HR managers using it during interviews to describe the ideal candidate: '我们需要一个能力强、有经验的人' (We need someone who is capable and experienced).
- In the Office
- During coffee breaks, you might hear colleagues gossiping: '听说新来的主管能力特强,以前在阿里巴巴工作。' (I heard the new supervisor is extremely capable; they used to work at Alibaba.)
- On Television
- In Chinese dramas (CDramas) about the workplace, characters often debate who deserves a promotion based on their 能力. It is a key plot point in many 'career growth' narratives.
面试官:你觉得你最大的优势是什么?
应聘者:我的学习能力强,能快速上手。 (Interviewer: What do you think is your greatest strength? Applicant: My learning ability is strong; I can get started quickly.)
Beyond the workplace, you will hear this term in schools. Parents often compare their children, saying things like '隔壁家的小王动手能力很强' (Little Wang next door has strong hands-on skills). This reflects the societal emphasis on practical skills alongside academic prowess. Even in sports commentary, an athlete might be described as having '抗压能力强' (strong ability to handle pressure) during a critical moment in a match.
In summary, 能力强 is a ubiquitous term used to quantify human capital. Whether it is in a formal performance review, a casual conversation about a friend's success, or a news report about a successful entrepreneur, the phrase serves as a universal marker of competence. If you want to impress your Chinese friends or colleagues, using this phrase to describe a high-performer shows that you understand the fundamental values of competence and efficiency in their culture.
While 能力强 seems straightforward, English speakers often make several common errors when trying to translate 'capable' or 'skilled' into Chinese. The most frequent mistake is using the word 可以 (kěyǐ) or 能 (néng) in isolation as an adjective. In English, we can say 'He is able,' but in Chinese, you cannot simply say '他很能' to mean he is capable. You must specify 'ability' (能力) or use a different construction like '他很有本事' (tā hěn yǒu běnshì).
- Mistake 1: Confusing 'Ability' with 'Strength'
- Some learners say '他力气大' (He has great physical strength) when they mean '他能力强' (He is capable). While 力 is in both, 力气 is physical, while 能力 is mental/skill-based.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Word Order
- Avoid saying '强能力' as a standalone adjective. While '强' can modify '能力' in formal titles (like '强能力者'), in a sentence, it should be '能力很强'.
Incorrect: 他是一个强能力的经理。
Correct: 他是一个能力很强的经理。 (He is a very capable manager.)
Another subtle mistake is using 能力强 to describe machines or inanimate objects. While you can say a computer has 'strong performance' (性能强 - xìngnéng qiáng), using '能力强' for a toaster or a car sounds strange to native ears. 能力 is almost exclusively reserved for sentient beings—people, teams, or organizations. For AI or software, you might hear '处理能力强' (strong processing ability), but even then, it is better to use technical terms.
Lastly, learners often forget the degree adverb. In Chinese, just saying '他能力强' sounds like a factual statement in a list. To make it sound like a natural compliment, you almost always need 很 (hěn). Even if you don't mean 'very,' the 很 acts as a grammatical 'glue' for the adjective. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete or clipped.
Chinese has a rich vocabulary for expressing competence, and while 能力强 is a great 'all-rounder,' other words might be more appropriate depending on the level of formality or the specific skill being discussed. Knowing these alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to express different shades of praise.
- 厉害 (lìhai)
- This is very common in informal speech. It means 'awesome' or 'impressive.' While 能力强 is professional, 厉害 is what you say to a friend who just won a game or did something cool. '你太厉害了!'
- 有本事 (yǒu běnshì)
- This is a slightly more colloquial way of saying someone has skills or 'know-how.' It often carries a sense of 'resourcefulness'—someone who can get things done through their own means.
- 优秀 (yōuxiù)
- Meaning 'excellent' or 'outstanding.' While 能力强 focuses on what you can *do*, 优秀 focuses on your overall quality as a person or student. An '优秀毕业生' (outstanding graduate) likely has 能力强, but the praise is broader.
Comparison:
1. 他工作能力强。 (Focus on professional skill.)
2. 他这人很靠谱 (kàopǔ)。 (Focus on reliability/being dependable.)
3. 他是个人才 (réncái)。 (Focus on being a talented person.)
In formal documents, you might use 称职 (chènzhí), which means 'competent' in the sense of 'fulfilling one's duties well.' It is less about being a 'superstar' and more about being a solid, reliable professional. On the other end of the spectrum, 卓越 (zhuóyuè) means 'extraordinary' or 'preeminent,' used for world-class leaders or innovators.
Understanding these distinctions allows you to tailor your feedback. Use 能力强 for general professional competence, 厉害 for casual admiration, and 优秀 for holistic excellence. By mixing these terms, you demonstrate a deeper mastery of the Chinese language and social etiquette.
Le savais-tu ?
In ancient Chinese, '能' (bear) was chosen to represent ability because bears were seen as powerful and versatile animals that could climb, swim, and fight.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'qiang' as 'kwang' (incorrect 'q' sound).
- Missing the third tone on 'neng' or second tone on 'qiang'.
- Saying 'neng li' with a flat English 'lee' sound.
Exemples par niveau
他能力强。
He is capable.
Simple Subject + Phrase.
我不强,他强。
I am not strong (capable), he is.
Comparison using contrast.
她学习能力强。
She has strong learning ability.
Noun (Ability) + Adjective (Strong).
老师能力强。
The teacher is very capable.
Simple praise.
你能力强吗?
Are you capable?
Question form with 吗.
我哥哥能力很强。
My older brother is very capable.
Using '很' as a degree adverb.
他办事能力强。
He is good at getting things done.
Adding a verb '办事' (to handle matters).
大家说他能力强。
Everyone says he is capable.
Indirect speech.
这位医生的能力非常强。
This doctor's ability is extremely strong.
Using '非常' for emphasis.
虽然他很年轻,但能力强。
Although he is young, he is capable.
Conjunction '虽然...但...'.
那个工人的技术能力强。
That worker's technical ability is strong.
Specifying 'Technical' (技术) ability.
因为他能力强,所以老板喜欢他。
Because he is capable, the boss likes him.
Cause and effect structure.
我们需要能力强的人才。
We need capable talents.
Using the phrase as an attributive to modify '人才'.
你的动手能力强不强?
Is your hands-on ability strong or not?
Affirmative-negative question '强不强'.
小王比小李能力强。
Xiao Wang is more capable than Xiao Li.
Comparison with '比'.
他在公司里能力最强。
He is the most capable in the company.
Superlative with '最'.
经理看中他是因为他解决问题的能力强。
The manager values him because his problem-solving ability is strong.
Specific noun phrase '解决问题的能力'.
如果你想升职,就得表现出你的能力强。
If you want a promotion, you must show that you are capable.
Conditional '如果...就...'.
这次任务需要一个沟通能力强的人来负责。
This task requires a person with strong communication skills to be in charge.
Using '需要...的人' structure.
她的适应能力强,很快就习惯了新环境。
Her ability to adapt is strong; she quickly got used to the new environment.
Two clauses where the first provides the reason.
大家公认他是部门里工作能力最强的人。
Everyone recognizes him as the most capable person in the department.
Formal phrase '大家公认' (widely recognized).
虽然他性格内向,但专业能力非常强。
Although he is introverted, his professional ability is very strong.
Contrast between personality and skill.
面试时,你要突出自己的学习能力强。
During the interview, you should highlight your strong learning ability.
Verb '突出' (to highlight) + object phrase.
一个人的能力强弱,实践中就能看出来。
A person's level of ability can be seen in practice.
Using '强弱' (strong or weak) as a noun-like concept.
他不仅业务能力强,而且非常有团队精神。
He not only has strong business skills but also has a great team spirit.
Structure '不仅...而且...'.
在竞争激烈的市场中,只有创新能力强的公司才能生存。
In a highly competitive market, only companies with strong innovation capabilities can survive.
Conditional '只有...才...'.
作为领导者,决策能力强是必不可少的素质。
As a leader, having strong decision-making ability is an essential quality.
Phrase acting as the subject of the sentence.
他的抗压能力强,在危机时刻总能保持冷静。
His ability to handle pressure is strong; he always stays calm in times of crisis.
Describing a psychological trait.
这家企业的核心竞争力在于其研发能力强。
The core competitiveness of this enterprise lies in its strong R&D capabilities.
Using '在于' (lies in) to explain a cause.
招聘广告上写着要求应聘者组织协调能力强。
The job advertisement states that candidates are required to have strong organizational and coordination skills.
Formal requirement phrasing.
无论环境多么恶劣,他生存能力强,总能活下去。
No matter how harsh the environment, his survival skills are strong, and he can always survive.
Structure '无论...总...'.
这种软件的逻辑分析能力强,能处理海量数据。
This software has strong logical analysis capabilities and can process massive amounts of data.
Applying '能力' to software (metaphorical).
他那种敏锐的洞察力证明了他的综合能力强。
His keen insight proves his strong overall ability.
Abstract noun '综合能力' (comprehensive ability).
在学术界,仅仅研究能力强是不够的,还需要社交能力。
In academia, having strong research skills alone is not enough; social skills are also needed.
Using '仅仅...是不够的' for nuanced argument.
该项目的成功归功于团队的执行能力强。
The success of the project is attributed to the team's strong execution capability.
Formal phrase '归功于' (attributed to).
我们要培养的是那种心理承受能力强的复合型人才。
What we want to cultivate is the kind of versatile talent with strong psychological resilience.
Complex noun phrase '心理承受能力强的人才'.
政府的宏观调控能力强,有效遏制了通货膨胀。
The government's strong macro-control capabilities effectively curbed inflation.
Political/Economic context.
他的辩论能力强,在会议上说服了所有反对者。
His debating skills are strong; he persuaded all opponents at the meeting.
Resultative clause with '说服'.
评价一个干部,不能只看他工作能力强不强,还要看他的品德。
When evaluating an official, one cannot just look at whether their work ability is strong; one must also look at their character.
Balanced sentence structure.
这种新型材料的抗腐蚀能力强,适用于极端环境。
This new material has strong anti-corrosion properties and is suitable for extreme environments.
Technical/Scientific usage.
纵观其职业生涯,其卓越的资源整合能力强得惊人。
Looking back at his career, his extraordinary ability to integrate resources is astonishingly strong.
Structure '强得惊人' (strong to an astonishing degree).
在充满变数的国际局势下,一个国家的应变能力强弱至关重要。
In an international situation full of variables, the strength of a country's ability to respond to changes is of paramount importance.
Formal term '至关重要' (vital).
他虽具雄才大略,但若非办事能力强,也难以成就一番霸业。
Although he had great strategic vision, if his practical ability were not strong, it would have been difficult to achieve great things.
Literary/Hypothetical structure '若非...也难以...'.
现代企业管理不仅要求管理者个人能力强,更强调系统化的组织能力。
Modern enterprise management not only requires strong individual capabilities from managers but also emphasizes systematic organizational capabilities.
Comparison between individual and systemic traits.
这种文学批评方法对文本的穿透能力强,能揭示深层含义。
This method of literary criticism has a strong 'penetrating' ability into texts, revealing deep meanings.
Metaphorical usage in humanities.
评价体系的科学性在于它能准确衡量出个体在极端压力下是否能力强。
The scientific nature of the evaluation system lies in its ability to accurately measure whether an individual is capable under extreme pressure.
Academic focus on '衡量' (to measure).
作为外交官,其语言表达能力强只是基础,更重要的是政治敏锐度。
For a diplomat, strong linguistic expression is just the foundation; more important is political sensitivity.
Using '只是基础' (is just the foundation).
该算法的自我进化能力强,使其在复杂博弈中立于不败之地。
The algorithm's strong self-evolution capability keeps it invincible in complex games.
Advanced AI/Game theory context.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— Refers to an individual's personal skills being high.
他个人能力强,但不擅长合作。
— Describes someone who is good at handling tasks and chores.
王阿姨办事能力强,大家很信任她。
— Refers to someone having strong leadership qualities.
他领导能力强,能带好团队。
— Refers to having strong logical thinking skills.
数学家通常逻辑能力强。
— Refers to being good at social interactions.
他交际能力强,有很多朋友。
— Refers to being good at managing people or resources.
这位CEO的管理能力强。
— Refers to being highly creative and innovative.
这家公司的创新能力强。
— Refers to being good at expressing thoughts clearly.
他的口头表达能力强。
— Refers to being very observant.
画家的观察能力强。
— Refers to being very independent and self-reliant.
她从小独立能力强。
Expressions idiomatiques
— Astute and capable. Describes someone who is sharp and efficient in their work.
他是一个精明干练的经理。
Formal— To be able to take charge of a section or handle a task independently.
他已经可以独当一面了。
Neutral— To stand out from the crowd; to be outstandingly capable.
他在同龄人中出类拔萃。
Literary— To fully display one's talents and skills.
他在比赛中大显身手。
Neutral— To do something with ease and skill (like a knife cutting through butter).
他处理这些问题游刃有余。
Literary— Talented people come out in succession.
这个时代人才辈出。
Formal— To hide one's great ability; a 'dark horse'.
别小看他,他深藏不露。
Neutral— An expert or old hand at something.
他是修车的行家里手。
Colloquial— More than enough; having plenty of ability to spare.
让他做这个工作绰绰有余。
Neutral— To have a well-deserved reputation for ability.
他的能力果然名不虚传。
FormalFamille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of a 'NENG-inja' (Ninja) who has 'LI' (limitless) power and is 'QIANG' (champion) of the world. A Ninja has strong ability!
Association visuelle
Imagine a person lifting a heavy globe with one hand while solving a Rubik's cube with the other. This represents both physical and mental '能力强'.
Word Web
Défi
Try to describe three people you know using '能力强' and specify which ability they have (e.g., 学习, 沟通, 动手).
Origine du mot
Composed of '能力' (ability) and '强' (strong). '能' originally depicted a bear, symbolizing strength and power. '力' depicted a plow, representing the physical effort of farming. '强' originally referred to a type of insect and later evolved to mean 'strong' or 'violent'.
Sens originel : The combined phrase literally means 'the force of ability is powerful.'
Sino-TibetanContexte culturel
In Chinese culture, '能力强' is deeply tied to the concept of 'Face' (面子). Being recognized as capable brings honor to one's family and mentors. Historically, the Imperial Examination system instilled a belief that one's status should be determined by their '能力' (demonstrated through exams). Today, in the '996' work culture (9am to 9pm, 6 days a week), '能力强' is often equated with high endurance and the ability to produce results under extreme pressure. It is also a key criterion in the 'Social Credit' mindset, where competence leads to trust.
Summary
The phrase '能力强' is the standard way to say someone is competent in Chinese. It highlights a person's practical skills and efficiency. Example: '他工作能力强' (He has strong work ability).
- Means 'highly capable' or 'strong ability'.
- Used for professional and personal praise.
- Commonly paired with degree adverbs like '很'.
- Essential for workplace and academic contexts.
Exemple
她是一个能力很强的领导。
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