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能力 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
能力
nénglì
capability
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, rank #755, Medium
能力
nénglì
capable
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, rank #755, Medium
能力
nénglì
able
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, rank #755, Medium
能力
nénglì
ability
HSK 4, n, 12 strokes, rank #755, Medium
nénglì(neng2li4)neng li T2
1capability
2capable
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March 24, 2026
能力nénglì(neng2li4)
能力 (neng2 li4) refers to a person's capability or ability to perform tasks or activities. It is often used in contexts relating to skills, potential, or competence in various fields, such as academics, sports, and work. This word emphasizes both the inherent qualities and acquired skills that enable someone to achieve specific outcomes.
Strokes12Frequency#755DifficultyMedium
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 能力 is deeply linked to education and personal development. The emphasis on improving one's 能力 through continuous learning reflects the cultural value placed on self-improvement and achievement.
Memory tip
Think of 能 (neng) as a person with a strong 'capability' standing tall, showcasing their skills. The character 力 (li) represents 'strength' or 'power,' suggesting that ability comes from both innate talent and effort. Visualize a superhero with a cape (能) and muscles (力) combining their powers to accomplish great feats.
Meanings of 能力
nénglì(neng2li4)
1capability
2capable
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About 能力
能力Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#755Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 能力
Podcast: 能力
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AI study notes for 能力
Quick Contrast
能力 (nénglì) vs 才能 (cáinéng) — use 能力 for general capability, while 才能 emphasizes specific talents or skills.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 能力 with 力量 (li4 liang) which means 'strength' or 'force.' Remember that 能力 is more about skills and competencies rather than physical strength. In formal settings, use 能力 to describe qualifications, while in informal contexts, you may refer to someone's skills using other terms.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 4 word, 能力 connects with other words describing personal qualities and skills, like skill (技能, ji neng) and talent (才华, cai hua). Focus on using it in sentences that describe someone's capabilities in various situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 能力 with 可能 (ke3 neng2), which means 'possible' or 'potential.' Remember that 能力 specifically relates to abilities and skills. For example, saying '我有可能' (wǒ yǒu kě néng) instead of '我有能力' (wǒ yǒu néng lì) can change the meaning significantly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 能力
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能力 (neng2 li4) refers to a person's capability or ability to perform tasks or activities. It is often used in contexts relating to skills, potential, or competence in various fields, such as academics, sports, and work. This word emphasizes both the inherent qualities and acquired skills that enable someone to achieve specific outcomes.
When to use 能力
Common mistakes include confusing 能力 with 力量 (li4 liang) which means 'strength' or 'force.' Remember that 能力 is more about skills and competencies rather than physical strength. In formal settings, use 能力 to describe qualifications, while in informal contexts, you may refer to someone's skills using other terms.
能力 or something close to it
能力 (nénglì) vs 才能 (cáinéng) — use 能力 for general capability, while 才能 emphasizes specific talents or skills.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 能力 with 可能 (ke3 neng2), which means 'possible' or 'potential.' Remember that 能力 specifically relates to abilities and skills. For example, saying '我有可能' (wǒ yǒu kě néng) instead of '我有能力' (wǒ yǒu néng lì) can change the meaning significantly.
Write 能力
能
力
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Grammar patterns of 能力
能力 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
