Meanings of 无能
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Podcast: 无能
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AI study notes for 无能
无能 (wúnéng) vs 无力 (wúlì) — use 无能 for incompetence in skill or ability, while 无力 emphasizes a lack of power or strength.
Be careful not to confuse 无能 with 无力 (wú lì), which means 'powerless' rather than 'incompetent'. This term is more informal; in formal settings, it's advisable to use more specific phrases to describe someone's lack of ability. Common collocations include '无能为力' (wú néng wéi lì) meaning 'powerless to help'.
Although 无能 is not specifically included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK 4 and above, as they encounter more complex discussions about abilities and shortcomings. Focus on understanding the nuances of capability and inability as you learn this term.
Learners often confuse 无能 with 能力 (néng lì), which means 'ability'. For example, saying '我无能的' (wǒ wú néng de) is incorrect; it should be '我没有能力' (wǒ méi yǒu néng lì) to imply lack of ability.
Pronunciation of 无能
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Component characters
How to say incompetence in Chinese
“incompetence” in Chinese is无能
无能 (wú néng) refers to the state of being incompetent or unable to perform a task effectively. It is commonly used to describe a person's lack of ability or power in various contexts, such as work, relationships, or decision-making.
When to use 无能
Be careful not to confuse 无能 with 无力 (wú lì), which means 'powerless' rather than 'incompetent'. This term is more informal; in formal settings, it's advisable to use more specific phrases to describe someone's lack of ability. Common collocations include '无能为力' (wú néng wéi lì) meaning 'powerless to help'.
无能 or something close to it
无能 (wúnéng) vs 无力 (wúlì) — use 无能 for incompetence in skill or ability, while 无力 emphasizes a lack of power or strength.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 无能 with 能力 (néng lì), which means 'ability'. For example, saying '我无能的' (wǒ wú néng de) is incorrect; it should be '我没有能力' (wǒ méi yǒu néng lì) to imply lack of ability.
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Frequently asked questions about 无能
无能 refers to being incompetent or unable, while 无力 means being powerless or lacking strength.
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