能力
能力 30秒了解
- 能力 (nénglì) is a noun meaning 'ability' or 'capability,' used to describe one's power or skill to perform tasks effectively.
- It is commonly paired with verbs like 有 (have), 提高 (improve), and 具备 (possess) to describe personal or professional competence.
- The word is versatile, covering physical, mental, and social domains, and is essential for formal descriptions of skills.
- Distinguish it from '水平' (level) and '权力' (power); '能力' focuses on the internal potential and functional skill of the individual.
The term 能力 (nénglì) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, primarily used to describe the power, skill, or capacity an individual possesses to perform specific tasks or achieve certain goals. It is a broad concept that encompasses both innate talents and acquired expertise. In a professional context, it often refers to competence or proficiency, while in a personal context, it might refer to one's general capability to handle life's challenges. The character 能 (néng) signifies 'can' or 'ability,' often associated with potential, while 力 (lì) means 'force' or 'strength.' Together, they create a word that represents the active application of one's potential to produce results.
- Core Concept
- The internal resource or external skill set that enables action.
他很有工作能力。(He has great work ability.)
Understanding 能力 requires looking at its multidimensional nature. It isn't just about physical strength; it's about cognitive processing, emotional intelligence, and technical mastery. For instance, 'language ability' (语言能力) refers to the cognitive and practical skill of communication, whereas 'leadership ability' (领导能力) involves social and strategic skills. In modern Chinese society, the pursuit of 'personal ability' (个人能力) is highly valued, often seen as the key to social mobility and career success. It is frequently contrasted with 'luck' (运气) or 'connections' (关系), emphasizing meritocracy.
- Scope
- Covers mental, physical, social, and technical domains.
这种药能提高你的记忆能力吗?(Can this medicine improve your memory ability?)
In academic discussions, 能力 is often categorized into 'general ability' (一般能力) like observation and memory, and 'special ability' (特殊能力) like musical talent or mathematical reasoning. This distinction helps in educational psychology to tailor learning paths. Furthermore, the word carries a sense of sufficiency; if you have the 能力, you are 'able' to meet the requirements of a situation. It is the bridge between 'wanting' to do something and 'actually' doing it.
他的表达能力非常强。(His expression ability is very strong.)
- Synonym Nuance
- Unlike '水平' (level), '能力' focuses on the potential to act rather than the current measured status.
我们需要有创新能力的人才。(We need talents with innovation ability.)
这超出了我的能力范围。(This is beyond the scope of my ability.)
Using 能力 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs and adjectives that typically accompany it. In Chinese, you don't 'do' an ability; you 'have' it (有), 'improve' it (提高), 'strengthen' it (增强), or 'demonstrate' it (表现/展示). It is almost always preceded by a modifier that specifies what kind of ability is being discussed. For example, 'learning ability' (学习能力) or 'communication ability' (沟通能力).
- Common Verb Pairings
- 有 (have), 具备 (possess), 培养 (cultivate), 锻炼 (exercise/train).
你要多锻炼自己的独立生活能力。(You should exercise your ability to live independently.)
One of the most frequent patterns is '[Adjective/Noun] + 能力'. This allows for precise descriptions. If you want to say someone is very capable, you say '他很有能力' (He is very capable). If you want to specify their skill in a certain area, you place that area before 能力. For instance, '组织能力' (organizational ability). Note that 能力 is a formal word; in very casual speech, people might use '本事' (běnshi), though 能力 is acceptable in all registers.
- Adjective Modifiers
- 强 (strong), 弱 (weak), 卓越 (outstanding), 有限 (limited).
他的社交能力比较弱。(His social ability is relatively weak.)
When discussing the limits of what one can do, the phrase '在...能力范围之内' (within the scope of ...'s ability) is used. Conversely, '超出...的能力' (beyond ...'s ability) indicates something is too difficult. In professional resumes or job descriptions, 能力 is a keyword. You will see phrases like '具备良好的团队协作能力' (Possess good team collaboration ability). This formal usage is essential for anyone navigating the Chinese workplace.
每个人都应该根据自己的能力来选择工作。(Everyone should choose a job based on their own ability.)
- Common Structures
- ...的能力 (The ability of...), 提高...能力 (Improve the ability of...).
这需要极强的逻辑思维能力。(This requires extremely strong logical thinking ability.)
我们要相信自己的能力。(We must believe in our own abilities.)
You will encounter 能力 in a vast array of settings, from the classroom to the boardroom, and from self-help books to legal documents. In the education system, teachers often discuss a student's 'learning ability' (学习能力) or 'problem-solving ability' (解决问题的能力). It is a standard metric for evaluation. In news reports, you might hear about a country's 'economic radiation ability' (经济辐射能力) or a military's 'combat ability' (战斗能力). It is a versatile term for measuring power in various forms.
- Workplace Context
- Used in interviews, performance reviews, and job advertisements.
面试官问我:'你认为你最大的能力是什么?'(The interviewer asked me: 'What do you think is your greatest ability?')
In daily conversation, it's used to praise or critique. If a friend fixes a complex computer issue, you might say, '你真有能力!' (You're really capable!). In the context of parenting, parents often worry about their children's 'self-care ability' (自理能力). On social media, influencers often talk about 'improving your core ability' (提升核心能力) to stay competitive in the modern world. The term is ubiquitous because modern Chinese culture places a heavy emphasis on personal development and functional skill sets.
- Academic Context
- Found in psychological papers and educational assessments.
研究表明,这种训练可以提高儿童的认知能力。(Research shows this training can improve children's cognitive ability.)
In the tech world, 能力 is used to describe the specifications of hardware or software. For example, a processor's 'computing ability' (计算能力) or an AI's 'natural language processing ability' (自然语言处理能力). This extension of the word from human skills to machine functions shows its adaptability. Whether you are reading a financial report about a company's 'repayment ability' (偿债能力) or a sports commentary about an athlete's 'explosive ability' (爆发力 - a related term, though 能力 is often used for overall skill), the word is everywhere.
这家公司的盈利能力非常强。(This company's profitability is very strong.)
- Legal/Official Context
- Refers to legal capacity or institutional competence.
他已经失去了民事行为能力。(He has lost his capacity for civil conduct.)
政府的治理能力正在不断提高。(The government's governance capability is constantly improving.)
One of the most common mistakes learners make with 能力 is confusing it with the auxiliary verb '能' (néng) or '可以' (kěyǐ). While '能' is used before a verb to indicate ability (e.g., 我能说中文 - I can speak Chinese), '能力' is a noun and cannot be used in that position. You cannot say '我能力说中文'. Instead, you would say '我的中文能力很好' (My Chinese ability is good). This distinction between the grammatical function of a noun and a verb is crucial.
- Mistake 1: Part of Speech
- Using 能力 as a verb instead of a noun.
Incorrect: 他能力开车。(He ability drive.)
Correct: 他有开车的能力。(He has the ability to drive.)
Another frequent error is the choice of verbs to describe 'improving' or 'using' ability. Learners often use '做' (zuò - to do) or '使' (shǐ - to make/use) incorrectly. As mentioned before, '提高' (tígāo) is the standard verb for improving ability. For using ability, '发挥' (fāhuī) is the most appropriate term, especially when talking about bringing one's talents to light. Using '用能力' (use ability) sounds unnatural in many contexts where '发挥能力' or '展现能力' (show ability) would be better.
- Mistake 2: Collocation
- Using '做' or '使' instead of '提高' or '发挥'.
Incorrect: 我想做我的能力。(I want to do my ability.)
Correct: 我想提高我的能力。(I want to improve my ability.)
Confusion also arises between '能力' and '水平' (shuǐpíng - level). While they are related, '水平' refers to a measurable standard or grade of achievement (like 'HSK 4 level'), whereas '能力' refers to the underlying power or skill. You can have a high 'level' of Chinese because you have a strong 'ability' to learn languages. Similarly, '权力' (quánlì - power/authority) is often confused with 能力. '权力' is given by a position or law, while '能力' is an internal quality. A manager has the 'power' (权力) to fire someone, but they may lack the 'ability' (能力) to lead effectively.
Incorrect: 他的英语能力是六级。(His English ability is Level 6.)
Correct: 他的英语水平是六级。(His English level is Level 6.)
- Mistake 3: Confusion with '水平' or '权力'
- Mixing up internal skill, external level, and official power.
虽然他有能力,但他没有权力决定这件事。(Although he has the ability, he doesn't have the power to decide this.)
我们要区分开能力和运气。(We must distinguish between ability and luck.)
In Chinese, several words share semantic space with 能力, and choosing the right one depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The most common synonyms are 才能 (cáinéng), 本领 (běnlǐng), and 实力 (shílì). Understanding the differences between these will significantly enrich your vocabulary and make your Chinese sound more natural and precise.
- 能力 vs. 才能 (cáinéng)
- '能力' is general and functional; '才能' often implies a higher level of talent or gift, especially in arts or leadership.
他展现了非凡的艺术才能。(He showed extraordinary artistic talent.)
本领 (běnlǐng) is more informal and often refers to practical skills or 'tricks of the trade.' It has a slightly more 'hands-on' feel than the more abstract '能力.' For example, a monkey in a story might have the '本领' to transform, or a craftsman has the '本领' to carve wood. 实力 (shílì), on the other hand, refers to 'actual strength' or 'real power,' often in a competitive context like sports, business, or war. It's about the resources and power one actually possesses to win.
- 能力 vs. 实力 (shílì)
- '能力' is the potential to do; '实力' is the proven, accumulated strength.
这场比赛比的是真实力。(This match is a test of true strength.)
There is also 才干 (cáigàn), which specifically refers to ability in handling practical matters or management. It's often used in professional or political contexts. 技能 (jìnéng) refers to specific 'skills,' usually technical ones like 'computer skills' or 'driving skills.' While you have the '能力' (overall ability) to be a programmer, you need specific '技能' (skills) like Python or Java. Finally, 潜力 (qiánlì) means 'potential'—the ability that hasn't been fully realized yet.
他很有才干,很快就升职了。(He is very capable/talented in management and was promoted quickly.)
- Comparison Table
- 能力 (General) | 才能 (Talent) | 技能 (Technical Skill) | 实力 (Competitive Strength).
他的编程技能非常出色。(His programming skills are excellent.)
我们要挖掘员工的潜力。(We need to tap into the potential of our employees.)
How Formal Is It?
难度评级
需要掌握的语法
Use of '有' with abstract nouns.
Modifier + 的 + Noun structure.
Resultative complements with '提高'.
Passive voice with '得到'.
Measure words for abstract concepts (一种能力).
按水平分级的例句
他有能力。
He has ability.
Basic 'Subject + 有 + 能力' structure.
我的能力不强。
My ability is not strong.
Using '不强' to negate strength.
你有学习能力。
You have learning ability.
Noun + 能力.
老师很有能力。
The teacher is very capable.
Adverb '很' modifying the '有能力' phrase.
这是你的能力吗?
Is this your ability?
Simple question with '吗'.
他没有工作能力。
He has no work ability.
Negation with '没有'.
我们要看你的能力。
We need to see your ability.
Verb '看' (to see/look at) + 能力.
大家都有能力。
Everyone has ability.
Using '都' (all) with '能力'.
他的生活能力很强。
His life skills are very strong.
Specifying the type of ability.
我想提高我的汉语能力。
I want to improve my Chinese ability.
Verb '提高' (improve) + 能力.
她有很强的表达能力。
She has strong expression skills.
Adjective '很强' modifying '能力'.
这个孩子很有学习能力。
This child has great learning ability.
Focusing on potential.
你的运动能力怎么样?
How is your athletic ability?
Asking '怎么样' about an ability.
他表现出了很好的能力。
He showed very good ability.
Verb '表现出' (to show/manifest).
我们相信他的能力。
We believe in his ability.
Verb '相信' (believe) + 能力.
这种能力很重要。
This kind of ability is very important.
Demonstrative '这种' (this kind of).
我们需要提高解决问题的能力。
We need to improve our problem-solving ability.
Complex noun phrase '解决问题的' modifying '能力'.
他的领导能力得到了大家的认可。
His leadership ability was recognized by everyone.
Passive-like structure with '得到...认可'.
这超出了我的能力范围。
This is beyond the scope of my ability.
Fixed phrase '能力范围'.
通过培训,他的专业能力有了很大进步。
Through training, his professional ability has made great progress.
Prepositional phrase '通过...'.
良好的沟通能力是成功的关键。
Good communication ability is the key to success.
Ability as the subject of a defining sentence.
他具备独立工作的能力。
He possesses the ability to work independently.
Formal verb '具备' (possess).
我们要培养学生的创新能力。
We must cultivate students' innovation ability.
Verb '培养' (cultivate/nurture).
面试时,你要展示自己的能力。
During the interview, you should demonstrate your ability.
Verb '展示' (demonstrate/show).
这家公司的盈利能力非常出色。
This company's profitability is outstanding.
Business term '盈利能力'.
他的应变能力在危机中发挥了作用。
His ability to adapt to changes played a role in the crisis.
Abstract noun '应变能力'.
我们需要评估候选人的综合能力。
We need to evaluate the candidates' comprehensive ability.
Formal verb '评估' (evaluate).
这种药物会影响人的认知能力吗?
Will this drug affect a person's cognitive ability?
Scientific term '认知能力'.
他缺乏处理复杂人际关系的能力。
He lacks the ability to handle complex interpersonal relationships.
Verb '缺乏' (lack).
提高治理能力是政府的首要任务。
Improving governance capability is the government's top priority.
Political term '治理能力'.
他的艺术才能超过了他的组织能力。
His artistic talent exceeds his organizational ability.
Comparing two different types of '能力' and '才能'.
我们要充分发挥每个人的能力。
We must bring everyone's ability into full play.
Adverb '充分' (fully) + '发挥'.
该政策旨在增强企业的自主创新能力。
The policy aims to enhance the independent innovation capability of enterprises.
Formal written style with '旨在' (aims to).
他的辩论能力让对手无话可说。
His debating ability left his opponents speechless.
Resultative structure '让...无话可说'.
这种审美能力是长期熏陶的结果。
This aesthetic ability is the result of long-term immersion.
Abstract concept '审美能力'.
他不仅有极强的办事能力,而且为人谦逊。
He not only has strong practical ability but is also humble.
Correlative conjunction '不仅...而且...'.
我们要警惕技术异化对人类思维能力的侵蚀。
We should be wary of the erosion of human thinking ability by technological alienation.
Highly formal academic language.
他的文字表达能力达到了炉火纯青的地步。
His writing ability has reached the level of perfection.
Idiom '炉火纯青' (attaining perfection).
这需要我们具备跨文化沟通的敏感性与能力。
This requires us to possess the sensitivity and ability for cross-cultural communication.
Coordinated nouns '敏感性' and '能力'.
该地区的经济承载能力已经接近极限。
The economic carrying capacity of the region is nearing its limit.
Technical term '承载能力'.
这种能力体系的构建需要多方面的协同配合。
The construction of this capability system requires multi-faceted coordination.
Abstract systemic language.
他以其卓越的洞察能力预见了市场的变革。
With his extraordinary insight, he foresaw the market transformation.
Formal '以其...' structure.
这种制度设计旨在最大限度地激发人的主观能动性与创造能力。
This institutional design aims to maximize the stimulation of human subjective initiative and creative ability.
Philosophical/Political terminology.
他的学术造诣与其研究能力是相得益彰的。
His academic achievements and his research ability complement each other.
Idiom '相得益彰' (complement each other).
我们需要重新审视人类在人工智能时代的生存能力。
We need to re-examine human survival capabilities in the age of AI.
Existential/Critical tone.
该项研究揭示了大脑可塑性与学习能力之间的深层联系。
The study revealed the deep connection between brain plasticity and learning ability.
Scientific/Academic reporting style.
他的艺术造诣已臻化境,非一般能力所能衡量。
His artistic attainment has reached a divine state, beyond what ordinary ability can measure.
Classical/Literary flair.
我们要从战略高度提升国家的软实力与核心竞争能力。
We must enhance the nation's soft power and core competitive ability from a strategic height.
High-level geopolitical discourse.
常见搭配
常用短语
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
容易混淆
句型
词族
相关
如何使用
能力 is a noun, not a verb.
Pair with '提高' for improvement.
Pair with '发挥' for application.
- Using 能力 as a verb.
- Confusing 能力 with 水平.
- Using '做能力'.
- Confusing 能力 with 权力.
- Omitting the modifier.
小贴士
Learn in Pairs
Always learn '能力' with a modifier like '工作' or '学习'. This helps you remember how to use it in context rather than just as an isolated word.
Noun vs Verb
Remember that '能' is what you *can* do, and '能力' is the *thing* you have. Never put a verb immediately after '能力' without '的' or a connecting structure.
Professional Tone
In resumes, use '具备...能力' to sound more professional. It shows a higher level of Chinese proficiency than just using '有'.
Complimenting
If you want to praise a colleague, say '你的组织能力真强' (Your organizational ability is really strong). It's more specific and professional than just 'You are good'.
Meritocracy
Understand that '能力' is a key value in Chinese society. Showing that you are '有能力' is often more important than showing your personality in professional settings.
Context Clues
When you hear '能力', listen for the word right before it. That word will tell you exactly what skill is being discussed (e.g., 语言, 领导, 创新).
Formal Texts
You will see '能力' frequently in news and academic articles. It often acts as a keyword for the main topic of the paragraph.
Root Word
Focus on the root '能'. If you know '可能' (possible) and '能够' (can), '能力' becomes much easier to remember as the noun form.
Daily Reflection
At the end of the day, think: '我今天发挥了什么能力?' (What ability did I use today?). This helps reinforce the word in your daily life.
Contrast with Level
Don't confuse '能力' with '水平'. Use '水平' for grades/levels (HSK) and '能力' for the actual skill or power you possess.
记住它
词源
文化背景
While '能力' is valued, one is often expected to be humble about it (谦虚).
In a Chinese CV, listing specific '能力' is crucial.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"你觉得你最大的能力是什么?"
"我们该如何提高学习能力?"
"你认为领导能力是天生的吗?"
"在工作中,什么能力最重要?"
"你最近在锻炼什么新能力?"
日记主题
写一写你最自豪的一种能力。
如果你可以获得一种新能力,你会选什么?
讨论一下能力和运气的关系。
描述一次你发挥自己能力的经历。
如何平衡工作能力和生活质量?
常见问题
10 个问题No, '能力' is a noun. You should say '我有说英语的能力' or '我的英语能力很好'. Using it as a verb is a common grammatical error for beginners.
能力 is a general term for any skill or power. 才能 usually implies a special talent or a higher level of giftedness, often in arts or intellectual pursuits.
The most common and natural way to say this is '提高我的能力' (tígāo wǒ de nénglì). You can also use '增强' (zēngqiáng) for 'strengthen'.
It can be, but '力量' (lìliàng) or '体力' (tǐlì) are more specific for physical strength. '能力' usually implies a functional skill.
It means 'scope of ability' or 'within one's power.' It is used to describe whether a task is something you are capable of doing.
Yes, it is often used for technical capacities, such as '处理能力' (processing power) or '计算能力' (computing ability).
It is a common phrase meaning 'to be capable' or 'to have the ability.' It can be used to describe a person's general competence.
具备 (jùbèi) is a formal verb meaning 'to possess.' You use it like: '他具备解决复杂问题的能力' (He possesses the ability to solve complex problems).
Yes, but '本事' is much more informal and colloquial. '能力' is the standard, formal term used in writing and professional settings.
It means 'comprehensive ability' or 'overall capability,' referring to a person's total set of skills and qualities.
自我测试 186 个问题
Write a sentence using '学习能力'.
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Describe your greatest ability in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
你说的:
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Listen and identify: '沟通能力' (Audio: Gōutōng nénglì)
Translate: 'I want to improve my communication ability.'
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Describe a time you used your '应变能力'.
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Discuss 'meritocracy' (能力主义) in 50 words.
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Translate: 'His leadership ability is recognized.'
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Write: 'Everyone should choose a job based on their ability.'
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Translate: 'He lacks the ability to work in a team.'
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Write a sentence with '表达能力'.
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Translate: 'This is beyond my power.'
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Write: 'I want to improve my writing ability.'
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Translate: 'Good communication is key.'
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Write: 'He has extraordinary artistic talent.'
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Translate: 'He is very capable.'
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Write: 'We believe in your ability.'
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Translate: 'He has no work ability.'
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Write: 'My Chinese ability is improving.'
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Translate: 'He showed great ability.'
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Write: 'This requires strong logical thinking.'
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Translate: 'He is a capable person.'
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Write: 'I want to improve my speaking ability.'
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Translate: 'He has great potential.'
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Write: 'He is a capable leader.'
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Translate: 'Everyone has ability.'
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Write: 'He has no ability.'
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Translate: 'He is very capable.'
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/ 186 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
能力 (nénglì) is the essential Chinese noun for 'ability.' It represents the bridge between potential and action. For example, '提高语言能力' (improve language ability) shows how it's used to describe growth in a specific skill set.
- 能力 (nénglì) is a noun meaning 'ability' or 'capability,' used to describe one's power or skill to perform tasks effectively.
- It is commonly paired with verbs like 有 (have), 提高 (improve), and 具备 (possess) to describe personal or professional competence.
- The word is versatile, covering physical, mental, and social domains, and is essential for formal descriptions of skills.
- Distinguish it from '水平' (level) and '权力' (power); '能力' focuses on the internal potential and functional skill of the individual.
Learn in Pairs
Always learn '能力' with a modifier like '工作' or '学习'. This helps you remember how to use it in context rather than just as an isolated word.
Noun vs Verb
Remember that '能' is what you *can* do, and '能力' is the *thing* you have. Never put a verb immediately after '能力' without '的' or a connecting structure.
Professional Tone
In resumes, use '具备...能力' to sound more professional. It shows a higher level of Chinese proficiency than just using '有'.
Complimenting
If you want to praise a colleague, say '你的组织能力真强' (Your organizational ability is really strong). It's more specific and professional than just 'You are good'.
例句
他的语言能力在过去的一年里提高了很多。