Meanings of 能干
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Podcast: 能干
Podcast: 能干
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AI study notes for 能干
能干 (nénggàn) vs 能力 (nénglì) — use 能干 to emphasize someone's competence in performing tasks, while 能力 refers more generally to the ability or capacity to do something.
Be careful not to confuse 能干 with 能 (can) and 干 (to do) when used separately. It's an informal term, so while you can use it in everyday conversations, it might not be suitable for formal settings. Common collocations include '能干的人' (capable person) and '能干的工作' (competent work).
As an HSK Level 5 word, 能干 connects to other terms related to ability and competence, such as 能力 (neng4 li4, ability) and 干活 (gan1 huo2, to work). Students should focus on recognizing its use in sentences and practice constructing phrases that express capability.
Learners may incorrectly use 能干 to describe someone who is merely hardworking, while it specifically refers to skill and capability. For example, saying '他很能干，因为他工作很努力' (He is very capable because he works hard) misses the nuance; it would be better to say '他很能干，因为他的技能很高' (He is very capable because his skills are high).
Pronunciation of 能干
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Component characters
How to say capable in Chinese
“capable” in Chinese is能干
能干 (neng2 gan4) means capable or competent, often referring to someone's abilities or skills in completing tasks effectively. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe individuals who excel in their work or responsibilities.
When to use 能干
Be careful not to confuse 能干 with 能 (can) and 干 (to do) when used separately. It's an informal term, so while you can use it in everyday conversations, it might not be suitable for formal settings. Common collocations include '能干的人' (capable person) and '能干的工作' (competent work).
能干 or something close to it
能干 (nénggàn) vs 能力 (nénglì) — use 能干 to emphasize someone's competence in performing tasks, while 能力 refers more generally to the ability or capacity to do something.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 能干 to describe someone who is merely hardworking, while it specifically refers to skill and capability. For example, saying '他很能干，因为他工作很努力' (He is very capable because he works hard) misses the nuance; it would be better to say '他很能干，因为他的技能很高' (He is very capable because his skills are high).
Write 能干
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Grammar patterns of 能干
能干 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 2 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.
Fill the gap
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看你说的，我哪有那么____？
Oh, come on — I am not that capable!
Example sentences for 能干 (10)
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Frequently asked questions about 能干
No, 能干 is generally considered informal and is best used in casual conversations.
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