Meanings of 才干
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About 才干
Podcast: 才干
Podcast: 才干
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AI Study Notes for 才干
才能 (cáinéng) - use 才干 when emphasizing innate abilities and learned skills, while 才能 focuses more on the capacity or talent for specific tasks.
Common mistakes include confusing '才干' with similar words like '能力' (neng4 li4), which means ability but lacks the nuance of competence in practice. '才干' is generally used in formal contexts, such as job applications or assessments.
As an HSK 6 word, '才干' connects to other advanced vocabulary related to skills and professions, such as '专业' (zhuān yè, specialty) and '技能' (jì néng, skill). Students should focus on context and collocation, especially in professional discussions.
Learners often misuse '才干' in contexts better suited for '能力'. For instance, saying '我没有才干做这个' (I don't have the ability to do this) is incorrect; it should be '我没有能力做这个' to focus on general ability.
Pronunciation of 才干
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Jason Explains 才干 to You
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Knowing 才干 is seven skills, not one.
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 ability in Chinese
“ability” in Chinese is才干
The term '才干' (cái gàn) refers to a person's ability or competence, particularly in a professional or academic context. It implies not just skill, but also the potential to perform tasks effectively and successfully, often highlighting one's innate talents and learned capabilities.
When to use 才干
Common mistakes include confusing '才干' with similar words like '能力' (neng4 li4), which means ability but lacks the nuance of competence in practice. '才干' is generally used in formal contexts, such as job applications or assessments.
才干 or something close to it
才能 (cáinéng) - use 才干 when emphasizing innate abilities and learned skills, while 才能 focuses more on the capacity or talent for specific tasks.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '才干' in contexts better suited for '能力'. For instance, saying '我没有才干做这个' (I don't have the ability to do this) is incorrect; it should be '我没有能力做这个' to focus on general ability.
Write 才干
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Practice writing 才干 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 才干
才干 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他作为一位睿智、具备政治家____的州长而广受尊崇。
He was widely respected as a wise and statesmanlike governor.
Example Sentences for 才干 (2)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 才干
'才干' is typically used in more formal or professional contexts, so it may sound out of place in casual conversations.
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