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中文
潜力 — meaning in English: potential
qiánlì · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.
Guess the translation for
potential
天使
tiānshǐ
注意
zhùyì
表达
biǎodá
潜力
qiánlì
运动
yùndòng
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 潜力 when discussing someone's capabilities, particularly in professional or educational settings. For instance, a teacher might tell a student, '你有很大的潜力,' meaning 'You have great potential,' during a performance review or a career counselor might highlight a candidate's 潜力 in a job interview context.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 潜力 is 能力 (nénglì), which means 'ability' or 'capability.' However, 潜力 emphasizes the latent potential that has yet to be realized, while 能力 refers to skills that are already developed. You might choose 潜力 when discussing someone's future possibilities rather than their current abilities.
Culture
The term 潜力 is composed of two characters: 潜 (qián), meaning 'to submerge' or 'hidden,' and 力 (lì), meaning 'power' or 'strength.' This etymology reflects the idea that potential is often hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered and utilized. In Chinese culture, recognizing and nurturing 潜力 is vital, especially in education, where teachers are expected to identify and foster the innate abilities of their students.
FAQ
