Meanings of 潜力
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Podcast: 潜力
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AI Study Notes for 潜力
潜能 (qiánnéng) - use 潜力 when emphasizing the potential for future growth, while 潜能 focuses more on the latent abilities that can be developed.
Be mindful of the tone when using 潜力; it is often used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about personal growth or business opportunities. A common mistake is confusing 潜力 with 能力 (nénglì), which means 'ability'—潜力 emphasizes potential rather than current capability.
As an HSK 6 word, 潜力 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to personal and professional growth, such as 发展 (fāzhǎn, development) and 机会 (jīhuì, opportunity). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss future possibilities or assessments of talent.
Learners often confuse 潜力 with 可能性 (kěnéngxìng), which means 'possibility.' For instance, saying '这件事没有潜力' (This matter has no potential) is incorrect; it should focus on the potential for development, not absence. A better phrasing would be '这件事的潜力不大' (This matter has little potential).
Pronunciation of 潜力
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say potential in Chinese
“potential” in Chinese is潜力
潜力 (qiánlì) refers to the inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success. It is often used in contexts such as personal development, talent assessment, and business potential. The term suggests that while something may not yet be fully realized, it has the capability to achieve great things.
When to use 潜力
Be mindful of the tone when using 潜力; it is often used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about personal growth or business opportunities. A common mistake is confusing 潜力 with 能力 (nénglì), which means 'ability'—潜力 emphasizes potential rather than current capability.
潜力 or something close to it
潜能 (qiánnéng) - use 潜力 when emphasizing the potential for future growth, while 潜能 focuses more on the latent abilities that can be developed.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 潜力 with 可能性 (kěnéngxìng), which means 'possibility.' For instance, saying '这件事没有潜力' (This matter has no potential) is incorrect; it should focus on the potential for development, not absence. A better phrasing would be '这件事的潜力不大' (This matter has little potential).
Write 潜力
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Practice writing 潜力 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 潜力
潜力 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 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
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
这个男孩在上小学的时候就初次显示出成为运动员的____。
The boy first showed promise as an athlete in grade school.
Example Sentences for 潜力 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 潜力
You can say, '他有很大的潜力,' meaning 'He has great potential.'
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