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B1 noun #1,500 most common 6 min read

能源

nengyuan Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 能源 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 能源 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 能源 (néngyuán) as the basic things that make things work, like 'power' or 'fuel'. You might see this word in very simple sentences about the sun (太阳) or electricity (电). It is a bit advanced for A1, but you will recognize it in signs about saving energy. Think of it as the 'food' for machines and lights. Even at this level, knowing that 'néng' means power and 'yuán' means source helps you remember it. You can use it to say simple things like 'The sun is energy' or 'We need energy'. It's often paired with simple verbs like 'have' (有) or 'need' (需要).

At the A2 level, you start to see 能源 in the context of daily life and simple environmental topics. You might learn about different 'kinds' (种) of energy, such as 'solar energy' (太阳能) or 'wind energy' (风能). You will encounter the phrase '节约能源' (save energy) in public service announcements. You can use 能源 to talk about your car needing fuel or your house needing electricity. You should begin to understand that 能源 is a more formal word than just saying 'oil' or 'electricity'. It refers to the whole category of things that provide power. You can use it in sentences like 'Saving energy is good' or 'We use a lot of energy every day'.

At the B1 level, 能源 becomes a key vocabulary word for discussing social issues, the environment, and technology. You should be able to distinguish between 'renewable energy' (可再生能源) and 'non-renewable energy' (不可再生能源). You will hear this word frequently in news reports about the 'energy crisis' (能源危机) or 'energy prices' (能源价格). You are expected to use it with more complex verbs like 'develop' (开发), 'consume' (消耗), and 'waste' (浪费). You should also understand its role in compound words like '能源效率' (energy efficiency). At this level, you can participate in discussions about why we should use green energy and how to reduce energy consumption in the home or office.

At the B2 level, you use 能源 in professional and academic contexts. You can discuss 'energy structure' (能源结构), 'energy security' (能源安全), and 'energy policy' (能源政策). You understand the nuance between 能源 (the resource) and 能量 (the physical energy). You can read articles about the impact of energy consumption on global warming and express detailed opinions on nuclear energy or carbon emissions. You should be comfortable using 能源 in written reports and formal debates. You will also recognize it in idiomatic or semi-formal expressions related to industrial development and economic sustainability. Your vocabulary will include related terms like 'fossil fuels' (化石能源) and 'clean energy' (清洁能源).

At the C1 level, your understanding of 能源 is deep and multifaceted. You can analyze complex texts about 'energy transition' (能源转型) and the geopolitical implications of energy distribution. You are aware of the historical development of energy sources and can discuss the 'energy revolution' (能源革命). You can use the word in sophisticated sentence structures, such as '以...为能源' (using ... as an energy source). You understand the technicalities of 'energy density' (能源密度) and 'energy storage' (能源储存). In professional settings, you can lead discussions on energy conservation strategies and the integration of new energy sources into the national grid. Your use of the word is precise, reflecting an understanding of its economic, scientific, and political dimensions.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 能源 and its various applications. You can interpret and produce highly technical documents regarding 'energy thermodynamics', 'quantum energy sources', or 'macro-energy economics'. You can appreciate the metaphorical use of the word in literature or high-level political rhetoric, where 能源 might represent the 'vitality' or 'driving force' of a civilization. You can discuss the philosophical implications of energy scarcity and the future of human civilization in terms of energy mastery (like the Kardashev scale). You are able to critique energy policies at a high level, using a wide range of synonyms and related technical jargon with perfect accuracy and nuance. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a conceptual tool for complex systemic analysis.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

能源 in 30 Seconds

能源 (néngyuán) refers to sources of energy like oil, electricity, and solar power used to drive machines and provide heat.
It is a noun commonly used in discussions about the environment, economy, and technology, often modified by 'renewable' or 'clean'.
Learners must distinguish it from 能量 (néngliàng), which refers to the physical quantity of energy (calories/joules).
In China, 'New Energy Vehicles' (新能源汽车) is a very common term for electric cars, highlighting the word's modern relevance.

The term 能源 (néngyuán) is a fundamental concept in both daily life and scientific discourse, referring to the various sources of power that drive our modern world. At its core, it is a compound noun formed by néng (ability/power/energy) and yuán (source/origin). Together, they signify the 'source of energy.' This encompasses everything from the ancient use of firewood to the cutting-edge technology of nuclear fusion.

Literal Breakdown: 能 (Néng) refers to energy or capability, while 源 (Yuán) refers to the source or origin, like a spring of water.

Scientific Scope: In a scientific context, it refers to any substance or natural phenomenon that can provide light, heat, or mechanical power to perform work.

我们需要寻找新的能源来替代石油。 (We need to find new energy sources to replace oil.)

When we talk about 能源, we are often discussing the macro-level supply and demand of power. It is distinct from 能量 (néngliàng), which is the physical quantity of energy measured in Joules. 能源 is the resource; 能量 is the capacity to do work. For example, coal is a type of 能源, and when it burns, it releases 能量.

太阳能是一种清洁的能源。 (Solar energy is a type of clean energy source.)

Economic Importance: Energy sources are the lifeblood of industrial production and national security, often referred to as the 'food of industry'.

政府正在加大对绿色能源的投资。 (The government is increasing investment in green energy.)

节约能源是每个公民的责任。 (Saving energy is the responsibility of every citizen.)

风力发电是一种可再生能源。 (Wind power is a renewable energy source.)

Using 能源 correctly requires understanding its role as a collective or specific noun. It is most frequently modified by adjectives that describe the nature of the energy source (e.g., renewable, traditional, clean).

Common Modifiers: 可再生 (Renewable), 不可再生 (Non-renewable), 清洁 (Clean), 传统 (Traditional), 新型 (New-type).

In a sentence, 能源 often acts as the object of verbs like 'develop' (开发), 'save' (节约), 'consume' (消耗), or 'waste' (浪费). It can also be the subject of sentences describing energy shortages or crises.

我们必须减少对化石能源的依赖。 (We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels/energy.)

Verb Collocations: 开发能源 (to develop energy sources), 节约能源 (to conserve energy), 能源短缺 (energy shortage).

这家工厂消耗了大量的能源。 (This factory consumes a large amount of energy.)

When discussing global issues, you will often hear phrases like 能源危机 (energy crisis) or 能源结构 (energy structure/mix). These are formal terms used in academic and journalistic writing.

优化能源结构是减排的关键。 (Optimizing the energy structure is key to reducing emissions.)

Compound Nouns: 能源部 (Department of Energy), 能源效率 (Energy efficiency), 能源消耗 (Energy consumption).

提高能源效率可以降低成本。 (Improving energy efficiency can lower costs.)

核能是一种争议较大的能源。 (Nuclear energy is a controversial energy source.)

The word 能源 is ubiquitous in several specific domains of Chinese life and media. Understanding these contexts helps in recognizing the register and nuance of the word.

News and Media: CCTV news often reports on '能源安全' (energy security) and '全球能源价格' (global energy prices), especially during international conflicts or economic shifts.

In the workplace, particularly in manufacturing or tech, managers might discuss 能源成本 (energy costs) during budget meetings. If you work in a building with a 'Green' certification, you'll see signs about 节约能源 (saving energy) near light switches and thermostats.

新闻报道了最近的能源危机。 (The news reported on the recent energy crisis.)

Education: Students learn about 能源 conversion in physics class and 能源 distribution in geography class.

地理老师讲解了世界能源的分布。 (The geography teacher explained the distribution of world energy sources.)

In daily conversation, while people might say 'the electric bill is high,' if they are discussing the environment or future technology, they will switch to 能源. For example, '新能源汽车' (New Energy Vehicles - NEVs) is the standard term in China for electric and hybrid cars.

现在越来越多的人购买新能源汽车。 (More and more people are buying new energy vehicles now.)

Public Service Announcements: Subway ads and community boards often feature slogans like '开发绿色能源，建设美丽中国' (Develop green energy, build a beautiful China).

我们需要改变传统的能源消费模式。 (We need to change traditional energy consumption patterns.)

海洋中蕴藏着巨大的能源。 (The ocean contains vast energy resources.)

The most frequent error learners make with 能源 is confusing it with its close relative, 能量 (néngliàng). While both translate to 'energy' in English, their usage in Chinese is strictly separated.

Mistake 1: 能源 vs 能量: 能源 is the 'source' (coal, sun, wind). 能量 is the 'capacity' or 'force' (calories in food, kinetic energy of a ball).

You would never say 'this apple has a lot of 能源.' You must say 'this apple has a lot of 能量.' Conversely, you don't say 'the country is facing a 能量 crisis'; it must be '能源 crisis.'

错误：这种食物有很多能源。 (Wrong: This food has a lot of energy sources.)
正确：这种食物有很多能量。 (Correct: This food has a lot of energy/calories.)

Mistake 2: Redundancy: Avoid saying '能源资源' (energy source resources) unless you are being extremely technical. Usually, 能源 alone is sufficient.

错误：我们需要开发新的能源资源。
正确：我们需要开发新的能源。 (We need to develop new energy sources.)

Another common mistake is using the wrong measure word. Because 能源 is an abstract concept of a resource, using 个 (gè) is often too informal or incorrect. Use 种 (zhǒng) for types of energy.

错误：一个能源。
正确：一种能源。 (A type of energy source.)

Mistake 3: Misusing 'New Energy': Learners often say '新的能源' when they mean '新能源' (New Energy/Renewables). '新的能源' just means 'a source of energy that is new to us,' while '新能源' is a specific category of green tech.

他买了一辆新能源汽车。 (He bought a new energy vehicle.)

过度消耗能源会导致环境恶化。 (Excessive consumption of energy leads to environmental degradation.)

To master 能源, you must distinguish it from other words related to power and resources. Here is a comparison of the most common synonyms and related terms.

能源 (néngyuán) vs 能量 (néngliàng): 能源 is the source (coal, solar). 能量 is the physical energy itself (calories, joules). Example: '能源产生能量' (Energy sources produce energy).

While 能源 refers specifically to power sources, 资源 (zīyuán) is a broader term meaning 'resources' in general, including water, land, human resources, and energy.

能源是自然资源的一种。 (Energy is a type of natural resource.)

能源 (néngyuán) vs 动力 (dònglì): 动力 refers to 'power' or 'motive force' (like an engine's power or personal motivation). 能源 is the fuel that provides that power.

Another related term is 燃料 (ránliào), which specifically means 'fuel' (something you burn). 能源 is broader because it includes non-combustible sources like wind and solar.

这种机器可以使用多种能源。 (This machine can use multiple types of energy sources.)

能源 (néngyuán) vs 电力 (diànlì): 电力 is specifically 'electric power'. 能源 includes electricity but also oil, gas, and wood.

由于能源短缺，电力供应受到了影响。 (Due to energy shortages, the power supply was affected.)

太阳能是未来的理想能源。 (Solar energy is the ideal energy source for the future.)

我们需要提高能源利用率。 (We need to improve the energy utilization rate.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Measure words for abstract nouns

Compound noun formation

Using 'due to' (由于)

Using 'aims to' (旨在)

Passive voice with 'bei'

Examples by Level

太阳是能源。

The sun is an energy source.

Simple A is B structure.

我们需要能源。

We need energy.

Subject + Verb + Object.

这里有能源吗？

Is there energy here?

Question with 吗.

电是一种能源。

Electricity is a type of energy.

Using 种 as a measure word.

能源很重要。

Energy is very important.

Adjective predicate with 很.

水也是能源。

Water is also an energy source.

Using 也 (also).

不要浪费能源。

Don't waste energy.

Imperative with 不要.

能源在哪里？

Where is the energy?

Question with 在哪里.

我们要节约能源。

We should save energy.

Modal verb 要 (should/must).

这种能源很便宜。

This type of energy is very cheap.

Demonstrative + Measure word + Noun.

风能是绿色能源。

Wind energy is green energy.

Compound noun 绿色能源.

汽车需要能源才能跑。

Cars need energy to run.

Condition with 才能.

他在能源公司工作。

He works at an energy company.

Prepositional phrase 在...工作.

世界有很多种能源。

The world has many kinds of energy.

Quantifier 很多种.

太阳能能源很干净。

Solar energy is very clean.

Descriptive adjective 干净.

我们每天都用能源。

We use energy every day.

Time adverbial 每天.

开发新能源对环境有好处。

Developing new energy is good for the environment.

Subject is a verb phrase.

由于能源短缺，电费涨了。

Due to energy shortages, electricity bills rose.

Cause and effect with 由于.

政府鼓励使用可再生能源。

The government encourages the use of renewable energy.

Verb + Object + Verb phrase (pivotal sentence).

我们需要提高能源效率。

We need to improve energy efficiency.

Noun phrase 能源效率.

化石能源正在枯竭。

Fossil fuels are running out.

Progressive aspect with 正在.

这个国家的能源主要靠进口。

This country's energy mainly relies on imports.

Verb 靠 (rely on).

节约能源是每个人的责任。

Saving energy is everyone's responsibility.

Noun phrase as subject.

核能是一种高效的能源。

Nuclear energy is an efficient energy source.

Adjective + 的 + Noun.

能源危机严重影响了全球经济。

The energy crisis has seriously affected the global economy.

Adverb 严重 modifying the verb.

优化能源结构是当务之急。

Optimizing the energy structure is a top priority.

Idiomatic expression 当务之急.

该地区拥有丰富的地热能源。

The region possesses rich geothermal energy resources.

Formal verb 拥有.

我们需要平衡能源需求与环境保护。

We need to balance energy demand and environmental protection.

Verb 平衡 (to balance).

新能源汽车的市场占有率在提高。

The market share of new energy vehicles is increasing.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

这种技术的能源转换率非常高。

The energy conversion rate of this technology is very high.

Technical term 能源转换率.

能源安全关系到国家的长治久安。

Energy security is related to the long-term stability of the country.

Verb phrase 关系到.

我们要减少能源消耗中的浪费现象。

We must reduce waste in energy consumption.

Prepositional phrase 能源消耗中.

能源转型是实现碳中和目标的必由之路。

Energy transition is the inevitable path to achieving carbon neutrality goals.

Formal term 必由之路.

该政策旨在促进能源产业的多元化发展。

The policy aims to promote the diversified development of the energy industry.

Formal structure 旨在 (aims to).

全球能源治理面临着前所未有的挑战。

Global energy governance is facing unprecedented challenges.

Idiom 前所未有.

我们需要从战略高度审视能源供应问题。

We need to examine energy supply issues from a strategic height.

Abstract prepositional phrase 从...高度.

能源密度的突破将彻底改变交通方式。

Breakthroughs in energy density will completely change modes of transport.

Technical term 能源密度.

各国应加强能源领域的国际合作。

Countries should strengthen international cooperation in the energy field.

Noun phrase 能源领域.

能源价格的波动对制造业产生了深远影响。

Fluctuations in energy prices have had a profound impact on manufacturing.

Adjective 深远 (profound).

这种新型材料在能源储存方面潜力巨大。

This new material has great potential in energy storage.

Phrase ...方面 (in terms of...).

能源的熵增过程是热力学定律的必然结果。

The entropy increase process of energy is an inevitable result of the laws of thermodynamics.

Highly technical vocabulary.

人类文明的演进与能源利用方式的变革息息相关。

The evolution of human civilization is closely linked to changes in energy utilization.

Idiom 息息相关.

能源主权的博弈在地缘政治中占据核心地位。

The game of energy sovereignty occupies a central position in geopolitics.

Metaphorical use of 博弈 (game/gambling).

我们必须反思以高能源消耗为代价的发展模式。

We must reflect on the development model at the cost of high energy consumption.

Structure 以...为代价.

能源互联网的构建将实现资源的最优配置。

The construction of the Energy Internet will achieve optimal resource allocation.

Technical concept 能源互联网.

能源稀缺性是制约某些落后地区发展的瓶颈。

Energy scarcity is the bottleneck restricting the development of certain backward regions.

Metaphorical use of 瓶颈 (bottleneck).

可控核聚变被视为人类解决能源问题的终极方案。

Controlled nuclear fusion is seen as the ultimate solution to humanity's energy problems.

Passive structure 被视为.

能源伦理学探讨了当代能源分配的公平性问题。

Energy ethics explores the fairness of contemporary energy distribution.

Academic discipline 能源伦理学.

Synonyms

能量动力燃料

Common Collocations

开发能源

节约能源

能源短缺

能源危机

能源结构

能源消耗

能源效率

能源安全

能源政策

能源转型

Common Phrases

新能源

绿色能源

传统能源

化石能源

可再生能源

不可再生能源

能源部

能源互联网

能源密集型

能源储备

Often Confused With

能源 vs 能量

Physical quantity vs. resource source.

能源 vs 资源

Broad resources vs. specific power sources.

能源 vs 动力

Mechanical/motive force vs. the fuel/source.

Idioms & Expressions

"源源不断"

"枯竭殆尽"

"取之不尽"

"用之不竭"

"开源节流"

"后劲不足"

"生生不息"

"万物之源"

"动力十足"

"事半功倍"

Easily Confused

能源 vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

源头

资源

起源

水源

电源

财源

How to Use It

Abstract

能源 is abstract; don't use it for specific batteries.

Scientific

In physics, use 能量 for the quantity.

Common Mistakes

Tips

Learn the Pairs

Always learn 能源 with 节约 (save) and 开发 (develop). These are the most common verb pairings you will see.

Green China

When you see '绿色' (green) before 能源, it always refers to environmentally friendly sources.

Measure Words

Remember to use 种 (zhǒng) instead of 个 (gè) when talking about different types of energy.

Tones Matter

Both syllables are second tone. Practice a smooth rising sound to avoid sounding like you are asking a question or making a wish.

News Keywords

If you hear '能源危机' (energy crisis) on the news, it's usually followed by talk of prices or shortages.

Business Context

In a business setting, 能源成本 (energy costs) is a key phrase for manufacturing and logistics.

Physics Distinction

Keep 能源 for the 'resource' and 能量 for the 'result' or 'measurement'.

Formal Essays

Use 能源 structure (能源结构) to sound more academic when discussing a country's power mix.

Context Clues

If the topic is about cars or the environment, the word is almost certainly 能源.

Source of Power

Just remember: Yuan = Source. Energy Source = 能源.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Cultural Context

China uses the term 'New Energy Vehicles' (新能源汽车) instead of just 'Electric Vehicles'.

Energy policy is central to China's Five-Year Plans.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得哪种能源最环保？"

"你家里平时怎么节约能源？"

"你对新能源汽车感兴趣吗？"

"能源危机对你的生活有影响吗？"

"你认为未来我们会用什么能源？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对未来能源的看法。

描述一次你为了节约能源所做的努力。

讨论一下化石能源的优缺点。

如果你是能源部长，你会制定什么政策？

分析新能源汽车在中国的流行原因。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

能源 (néngyuán) refers to the source of energy, like coal, wind, or the sun. 能量 (néngliàng) refers to the actual physical energy or capacity to do work, like the calories in food or the joules in a battery. You use 能源 when talking about resources and 能量 when talking about physics or nutrition.

No, for food energy or calories, you must use 能量 (néngliàng). 能源 is strictly for power sources used by machines or society.

新能源 (xīn néngyuán) literally means 'new energy'. It specifically refers to renewable and clean energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal, as opposed to traditional fossil fuels.

It is generally treated as an uncountable or collective noun. To count types of energy, use the measure word 种 (zhǒng), as in '三种能源' (three types of energy).

The term is 能源效率 (néngyuán xiàolǜ). It is often shortened to 能效 (néngxiào) in technical contexts.

It is called 新能源汽车 (xīn néngyuán qìchē), often abbreviated as 新能源车. This includes electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell vehicles.

Due to China's large population and industrial base, energy security and environmental protection are top national priorities, making the word very common in media and education.

No, for human vitality or effort, you would use 精力 (jīnglì) or 能量 (néngliàng) metaphorically, but never 能源.

There isn't a direct opposite noun, but in context, you might talk about 能源消耗 (energy consumption) as the opposite of energy production.

Yes, but usually to describe the source. The actual work done is 能量.