能力 — meaning in English: ability

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Guess the translation for capability

地面

dìmiàn

步行

bùxíng

效果

xiàoguǒ

能力

nénglì

说明

shuōmíng

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 能力 in discussions about personal skills or qualifications, such as during job interviews or academic evaluations. For instance, a teacher might say, '这个学生的能力很强' (This student's ability is very strong) when praising a student’s performance.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 能力 is 实力 (shílì), which emphasizes practical strength or capability, especially in competitive contexts. You might choose 能力 when referring more broadly to an individual's abilities, while 实力 is more specific to their effectiveness in action.

Culture

The word 能力 combines 能 (néng), meaning 'can' or 'be able to', with 力 (lì), meaning 'strength' or 'force'. This reflects a cultural appreciation for individual skill and capability, often emphasized in educational and professional contexts. In Chinese culture, one's 能力 can significantly impact social status and opportunities.

FAQ

Q.What does 能力 mean in English?

能力 translates to 'ability' in English, referring to a person's capacity to perform tasks or skills.

Q.How can I use 能力 in a sentence?

You can say '我提高了我的能力' (I have improved my abilities) to express personal development in skills or competencies.

Q.Are there common mistakes with the word 能力?

A common mistake is confusing 能力 with 技能 (jìnéng), which means 'skill'. Remember that 能力 refers more to overall ability, while 技能 focuses on specific skills.

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