yǒu běnshi: 有本事 - To have skill, To have guts, "If you've got what it takes"

• Keywords: you benshi, yǒu běnshi, 有本事, meaning of youbenshi, Chinese for “have skill”, Chinese for “have guts”, Chinese for “talented”, what does benshi mean, how to use youbenshi, Chinese challenge phrase
• Summary: “有本事” (yǒu běnshi) is a common Chinese phrase that means to have real, practical skill, ability, or guts. It's a versatile term used both to express genuine admiration for someone's capability (“He's the real deal”) and, more interestingly, as a taunt or challenge (“If you've got the guts, then…”). Understanding “有本事” is key to grasping how Chinese culture values proven ability over empty talk.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yǒu běnshi
• Part of Speech: Verb Phrase / Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To possess genuine skill, ability, or courage to handle difficult situations.
• In a Nutshell: “有本事” isn't just about being “good” at something; it's about having the tangible, proven ability to get things done, especially when it's tough. It implies a level of competence that earns respect. Think of it as the difference between saying someone is “knowledgeable” and saying they're “the one who can actually fix the problem.” It can be a compliment, but its frequent use as a challenge or dare gives it a unique, feisty flavor.

• 有 (yǒu): “To have,” “to possess,” “there is.” This is one of the most fundamental characters in Chinese.
• 本 (běn): “Root,” “origin,” or “foundation.” It often refers to the core or essential part of something.
• 事 (shì): “Matter,” “affair,” “business,” or “thing to be done.”
• Combined Meaning: Literally, “to have the root of the matter.” This beautifully illustrates the meaning: someone who “有本事” doesn't just know about a subject; they grasp its fundamental principles and have the core ability to handle it effectively. They have the “stuff” required to succeed.

• “有本事” reflects a deep-seated cultural value on pragmatism and proven results. In many situations, it's more impressive to “有本事” than to have a high-status title or academic degree without the corresponding real-world skills. It's a testament to one's ability to navigate challenges and deliver.
• Comparison to Western Concepts: “有本事” is similar to the English phrases “to have what it takes,” “to be the real deal,” or “to have guts.” However, the Western concepts don't fully capture the confrontational usage of “有本事.” Saying, “You have what it takes to get the job done” is a pure compliment. But in Chinese, saying, “你有本事就去啊！” (Nǐ yǒu běnshi jiù qù a! - “If you've got the guts, then go!”) is a direct challenge. This dual-use as both high praise and a goading taunt makes it a much richer and more context-dependent term.

The meaning of “有本事” changes dramatically based on tone and context.

When used to describe someone in the third person, or as a direct compliment with a sincere tone, it's a sign of high respect for their practical abilities. It means you believe they are genuinely capable and effective.

This is a very common usage, especially in arguments or when expressing frustration. It's often used in a structure like: “你/他/她 + 有本事 + 就 + [do something]” (Nǐ/tā/tā + yǒu běnshi + jiù + [do something]). This translates to “If you/he/she *really* have the ability/guts, then go ahead and [do something].” It's a sarcastic dare, implying the person actually lacks the ability to follow through.

• Example 1:
  • 他真有本事，这么难的问题都解决了。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhēn yǒu běnshi, zhème nán de wèntí dōu jiějué le.
  • English: He's really capable. He solved such a difficult problem.
  • Analysis: This is a clear example of praise. The speaker is expressing genuine admiration for the person's problem-solving skills. The context (solving a difficult problem) makes the meaning positive.
• Example 2:
  • 你有本事别走，我们把话说清楚！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ yǒu běnshi bié zǒu, wǒmen bǎ huà shuō qīngchu!
  • English: If you've got the guts, don't leave! Let's sort this out!
  • Analysis: This is a classic challenge. The speaker is angry and dares the other person to stay and face the confrontation, implying that leaving would be a cowardly act (i.e., showing they “没本事” or “don't have guts”).
• Example 3:
  • 我佩服的是那些白手起家，自己有本事创业的人。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ pèifú de shì nàxiē báishǒuqǐjiā, zìjǐ yǒu běnshi chuàngyè de rén.
  • English: What I admire are those people who start from scratch and have the real ability to build their own business.
  • Analysis: Here, “有本事” refers to a deep, admirable competence—the skill, resilience, and intelligence required for entrepreneurship. It's high praise.
• Example 4:
  • 他就会背后说人坏话，有本事当着我的面说！
  • Pinyin: Tā jiù huì bèihòu shuō rén huàihuà, yǒu běnshi dāngzhe wǒ de miàn shuō!
  • English: He only knows how to talk badly about people behind their backs. If he's got the guts, he should say it to my face!
  • Analysis: Another confrontational use. It's a sarcastic taunt challenging the person's courage. The structure “有本事 + [do something]” is key here.
• Example 5:
  • 别看他年纪小，可有本事了，什么都会修。
  • Pinyin: Bié kàn tā niánjì xiǎo, kě yǒu běnshi le, shénme dōu huì xiū.
  • English: Don't look down on him because he's young; he's super capable and can fix anything.
  • Analysis: A positive and slightly informal compliment. It highlights practical, hands-on skills, which is a perfect fit for the meaning of “有本事”.
• Example 6:
  • 你老是抱怨老板，有本事你辞职自己当老板啊！
  • Pinyin: Nǐ lǎoshì bàoyuàn lǎobǎn, yǒu běnshi nǐ cízhí zìjǐ dāng lǎobǎn a!
  • English: You're always complaining about the boss. If you're so capable, then quit and become a boss yourself!
  • Analysis: This is a classic retort to a complainer. It's sarcastic and aims to shut down the complaints by challenging the person to prove they can do better.
• Example 7:
  • 在这个行业，光有学历不行，还得有本事。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhège hángyè, guāng yǒu xuélì bùxíng, hái děi yǒu běnshi.
  • English: In this industry, just having academic credentials isn't enough; you also need to have real ability.
  • Analysis: This sentence perfectly contrasts “本事” (practical ability) with “学历” (academic qualifications), highlighting the cultural value placed on tangible results.
• Example 8:
  • 找到一份好工作不算什么，能一直保住才叫有本事。
  • Pinyin: Zhǎodào yī fèn hǎo gōngzuò bù suàn shénme, néng yīzhí bǎozhù cái jiào yǒu běnshi.
  • English: Finding a good job is nothing, being able to keep it is what shows real capability.
  • Analysis: This example shows that “有本事” often relates to long-term, sustained competence, not just a one-time success.
• Example 9:
  • A: 他把我们的客户抢走了！ (Tā bǎ wǒmen de kèhù qiǎng zǒu le! - He stole our client!)
  • B: 那也是他有本事。 (Nà yě shì tā yǒu běnshi - Well, that just shows he's capable.)
  • Analysis: A fascinating, slightly cynical use. Speaker B is begrudgingly admitting the competitor's skill, even if the method was unethical. It implies “may the best man win.”
• Example 10:
  • 有本事你就考个第一名给我看看。
  • Pinyin: Yǒu běnshi nǐ jiù kǎo ge dì-yī míng gěi wǒ kànkan.
  • English: If you've really got what it takes, then get first place and show me.
  • Analysis: This could be said by a parent to a child. It can be interpreted as either a motivational challenge or a skeptical taunt, depending entirely on the tone of voice.

• Not just “talented”: Do not confuse “有本事” with “有才华” (yǒu cáihuá). “才华” refers more to artistic or intellectual talent (like in writing, music, or painting). “本事” refers to practical, real-world skills and guts (like fixing a car, closing a business deal, or standing up to a bully).
• Not just “skilled”: While it means skill, it's more informal and gutsier than a neutral term like “有能力” (yǒu nénglì - to have ability). Using “有本事” to describe your new boss to their face might be seen as too casual or even slightly provocative. It's better to use more formal praise like “您能力很强” (nín nénglì hěn qiáng - Your ability is very strong).
• The Challenge is Key: The most common mistake for learners is missing the confrontational meaning. Hearing “你有本事…” (Nǐ yǒu běnshi…) should immediately alert you that you are likely being challenged or taunted, not complimented. Context and tone are everything.

• 能力 (nénglì) - A general and more formal term for “ability” or “capability.” It's neutral and lacks the “guts” connotation.
• 本领 (běnlǐng) - Very similar to “本事,” meaning skill or capability, often one that has been learned or mastered through practice. It's less likely to be used as a challenge.
• 厉害 (lìhai) - A common slang term for “awesome,” “fierce,” or “formidable.” It's a general-purpose word for praising someone's high level of skill.
• 有种 (yǒu zhǒng) - Literally “have seed.” It means “to have guts” or “to have balls.” It's used almost exclusively as a challenge, very similar to the confrontational use of “有本事.”
• 没本事 (méi běnshi) - The direct antonym: to be incapable, incompetent, useless.
• 水平 (shuǐpíng) - “Level” or “standard.” Used to talk about someone's level of proficiency in a skill (e.g., 他的中文水平很高 - His Chinese level is very high). It's a neutral measurement of skill.
• 才华 (cáihuá) - Artistic or literary talent. You would say a poet or musician “有才华,” but a mechanic or salesperson “有本事.”