A2 noun Neutral #3,000 most common 1 min read

才能

caineng /tsʰaɪ̯˧˥ nɤŋ˧˥/

Talent is the combination of natural aptitude and developed skill that allows one to excel in a particular endeavor.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to natural talent or acquired skill in a specific field.
  • Used to describe someone's exceptional ability or aptitude.
  • Often implies a blend of innate potential and hard-earned proficiency.

Overview

  1. 1概述:才能是指一个人在从事某种活动时,所表现出来的顺利完成任务的心理特征或本领。它既包含与生俱来的天赋,也包含后天通过刻苦学习和实践积累的技能。在中文语境中,评价一个人“有才能”通常是一种很高的赞美。

Examples

1

他在音乐方面非常有才能。

everyday

He has great talent in music.

2

公司需要发掘员工的潜在才能。

formal

The company needs to discover the potential talent of its employees.

3

这孩子从小就显露出绘画才能。

informal

The child showed artistic talent from a young age.

4

学术研究需要极高的逻辑才能。

academic

Academic research requires high logical aptitude.

Common Collocations

发挥才能 exert/utilize talent
具备才能 possess talent
挖掘才能 discover/unearth talent

Common Phrases

人尽其才

Make the best use of everyone's talent.

才华横溢

Overflowing with talent.

挖掘才能

Uncover potential.

Often Confused With

才能 vs 能力

Ability is a general term for the capacity to do something. Talent (才能) is more specific, referring to a high level of skill or aptitude.

才能 vs 才华

Talent (才华) is usually associated with artistic or literary creativity. Talent (才能) is more practical and task-oriented.

Grammar Patterns

具备+才能 发挥+才能 展现+才能

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use '才能' to highlight specific strengths rather than general ability. It is suitable for both formal reports and casual conversations. Always ensure it is paired with a positive verb indicating development or display.


Common Mistakes

Beginners often confuse '才能' with '能力'. Remember that '才能' implies something special or exceptional. Also, avoid using it as a verb; it must function as a noun in the sentence structure.

Tips

💡

Focus on specific fields

When using '才能', try to mention the specific area, like '音乐才能' or '语言才能'. This makes your praise sound more sincere and specific.

⚠️

Avoid using as a verb

Remember that '才能' is strictly a noun. Do not try to conjugate it or use it as an action word in a sentence.

🌍

Appreciating talent in Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, recognizing someone's '才能' is highly respected. It is often linked to the concept of '伯乐', a legendary judge of horses who could spot true talent.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '才' (talent/material) and '能' (ability/power). Historically, it combines the innate raw material with the power to manifest it.

Cultural Context

In Chinese society, identifying and nurturing '才能' is highly valued in education and career development. The phrase '人尽其才' (let everyone use their talents to the fullest) is a popular ideal in management.

Memory Tip

Think of '才' as 'talent' and '能' as 'ability'. Together, they represent the 'ability of a talented person'.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“能力”比较宽泛,指完成任务的各种本领;“才能”则强调在某个特定领域表现出的突出天赋或才干。

不可以,“才能”在中文里是一个名词。如果想表达动词意义,通常使用“有才能”或“具备才能”。

你可以说“他非常有才能”或者“他在艺术方面很有天赋和才能”。

在大多数情况下可以,但“才华”更侧重于文学、艺术方面的创造力,而“才能”更偏向于解决问题的实际操作能力。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他在数学方面表现出了极高的___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 才能

“才能”指天赋或本领,符合语境。

multiple choice

下列选项中哪一个不适合与“才能”搭配?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 吃才能

“吃才能”不是标准搭配。

sentence building

他 / 展现 / 了 / 极高 / 的 / 才能

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 他展现了极高的才能。

符合主谓宾的基本结构。

Score: /3

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