It signifies having the capability or conditions necessary to achieve a result.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Indicates the ability to perform an action.
- Used to express potential or objective conditions.
- Functions as an auxiliary verb before the main verb.
常见语境：它广泛应用于各种场合，从日常对话到书面报告。例如，“我能够完成这项工作”表示我有能力且有时间；“这台机器能够自动运行”表示其具备某种功能。
- 1近义词辨析：与“能”相比，“能够”语气稍微正式一点，且更强调“达到某种程度”或“满足特定条件”。与“可以”相比，“能够”侧重于“能力”，而“可以”侧重于“许可”或“可能性”。例如，“你可以走了”表示允许，“你能够走了”则表示你恢复了行走的能力。
Examples
我能够听懂你的意思。
everydayI am able to understand what you mean.
该系统能够自动检测故障。
formalThe system is able to detect faults automatically.
你能够帮我一个忙吗？
informalAre you able to do me a favor?
研究表明，这种药物能够有效缓解疼痛。
academicStudies show that this drug can effectively relieve pain.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
能够做到
able to do/achieve
尽我所能
to the best of my ability
能够胜任
competent for
Often Confused With
‘能’ is more versatile and common in casual speech. ‘能够’ is slightly more formal and emphasizes the condition or capacity.
‘可以’ often implies permission or possibility, whereas ‘能够’ strictly focuses on capability or objective feasibility.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '能够' when you want to emphasize the fulfillment of conditions or a high level of capability. It is preferred in formal writing, business correspondence, and academic papers. In casual spoken Chinese, '能' is much more frequent and sounds more natural.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often place '能够' after the verb, which is incorrect. Another common error is using it to express permission, where '可以' would be more appropriate. Remember that '能够' is strictly for capacity.
Tips
Focus on the verb following
Always ensure a verb follows '能够'. It acts as a helper to define the action's feasibility.
Avoid double negatives
Do not say '不能够不' unless you are emphasizing a double negative for rhetorical effect. Keep it simple.
Formal vs Informal tone
Use '能够' in formal emails or reports to sound professional. Use '能' for casual daily conversations.
Word Origin
The word combines '能' (ability/power) and '够' (enough/sufficient). Historically, it implies having sufficient power or resources to achieve a goal.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, emphasizing one's ability to fulfill a commitment is highly valued. Using '能够' in professional settings demonstrates reliability and competence.
Memory Tip
Think of '能够' as 'can-enough'. If you are 'enough' (够) to do something, you 'can' (能) do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions在大多数情况下是可以互换的。但在书面语或强调客观能力时，“能够”显得更加严谨和正式。
通常使用“不能”来表示否定。虽然“不能够”在语法上成立，但在实际口语中很少使用。
可以。通过上下文或时间状语，如“他昨天能够独立完成任务”，可以表示过去具备的能力。
不可以，“能够”后面必须紧跟动词或动词性短语。它是一个助动词，不是动词。
Test Yourself
经过长时间的练习，他终于___流利地说中文了。
此处强调经过练习后具备了这种能力，用“能够”最准确。
下列哪个句子是正确的？
“能够”必须放在动词“去”之前。
完成 / 我们 / 任务 / 能够 / 这个
主语+能够+动词+宾语的结构。
Score: /3
Summary
It signifies having the capability or conditions necessary to achieve a result.
- Indicates the ability to perform an action.
- Used to express potential or objective conditions.
- Functions as an auxiliary verb before the main verb.
Focus on the verb following
Always ensure a verb follows '能够'. It acts as a helper to define the action's feasibility.
Avoid double negatives
Do not say '不能够不' unless you are emphasizing a double negative for rhetorical effect. Keep it simple.
Formal vs Informal tone
Use '能够' in formal emails or reports to sound professional. Use '能' for casual daily conversations.
Examples
4 of 4我能够听懂你的意思。
I am able to understand what you mean.
该系统能够自动检测故障。
The system is able to detect faults automatically.
你能够帮我一个忙吗？
Are you able to do me a favor?
研究表明，这种药物能够有效缓解疼痛。
Studies show that this drug can effectively relieve pain.
