====== yǒu nénglì: 有能力 - Capable, Competent, To have the ability ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** yǒu nénglì, younengli, 有能力, capable, competent, ability, skilled, talented, having the ability to do something, Chinese for capable, what does younengli mean
  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning and usage of "有能力 (yǒu nénglì)", a fundamental Chinese term for "capable" or "competent". This guide breaks down the characters, explores cultural significance, and provides 10 practical example sentences. Understand the key differences between 有能力, 能 (néng), and 会 (huì) to describe ability in Chinese like a native speaker, whether in a business or personal context.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** yǒu nénglì
  * **Part of Speech:** Adjective / Verb phrase
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 4
  * **Concise Definition:** To be capable, competent, or to possess the ability to accomplish something.
  * **In a Nutshell:** `有能力` is the go-to phrase in Chinese to describe someone who is generally competent and has the skills, resources, or power to get things done. It's more than just saying someone "can" do something; it implies a deeper, more reliable and proven effectiveness. Think of it as a strong endorsement of someone's overall capability.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **有 (yǒu):** This character literally means "to have," "to possess," or "there is." It's one of the most common characters in Chinese, indicating ownership or existence.
  * **能 (néng):** This character means "ability," "can," or "capable." It relates to an inherent or acquired power or skill.
  * **力 (lì):** This character means "power," "strength," or "force." The character is a pictogram of a plow, representing physical strength and effort.
  
When combined, `能力 (nénglì)` becomes a noun meaning "ability" or "capability." Adding `有 (yǒu)` ("to have") in front creates the straightforward and logical phrase `有能力`, which literally translates to "to have ability," or more naturally, "capable."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Chinese culture, being `有能力` is a highly respected trait. It goes beyond mere talent and speaks to a person's practical effectiveness and reliability. This quality is seen as crucial for success in one's career, for providing for one's family, and for earning respect within the community. A person who is `有能力` is someone you can count on to solve problems and achieve results.
A useful comparison is to the Western distinction between "talent" and "skill." Someone might have `天赋 (tiānfù)`—innate talent—but they are not considered `有能力` until they have proven they can apply that talent to consistently and successfully accomplish real-world tasks. `有能力` is about proven competence, not just potential. It reflects a cultural value placed on pragmatism, responsibility, and tangible achievements. Praising someone as `有能力` is a significant compliment that acknowledges their practical worth.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
`有能力` is a common and versatile term used in both formal and semi-formal contexts.
  * **In the Workplace:** This is where you will hear `有能力` most often. It is used in job interviews, performance reviews, letters of recommendation, and daily office conversations. Describing a colleague or employee as `很有能力 (hěn yǒu nénglì - very capable)` is high praise.
  * **In Personal Life:** It can be used to describe someone's ability to handle life's challenges, such as managing finances, solving complex family issues, or organizing a big event. For example, "She is very capable of taking care of her parents."
  * **Connotation and Formality:** The term is almost always positive and is considered a neutral-to-formal expression. It's perfectly fine for everyday conversation but carries enough weight to be used in professional settings.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 他是一个很**有能力**的经理。
    * Pinyin: Tā shì yī ge hěn **yǒu nénglì** de jīnglǐ.
    * English: He is a very capable manager.
    * Analysis: A straightforward and common way to praise someone's professional competence.
  * **Example 2:**
    * 你相信自己**有能力**完成这个任务吗？
    * Pinyin: Nǐ xiāngxìn zìjǐ **yǒu nénglì** wánchéng zhège rènwù ma?
    * English: Do you believe you have the ability to complete this task?
    * Analysis: Here, `有能力` functions as a verb phrase "have the ability to do something."
  * **Example 3:**
    * 我现在没**有能力**买这么贵的房子。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ xiànzài méi**yǒu nénglì** mǎi zhème guì de fángzi.
    * English: I don't have the financial ability to buy such an expensive house right now.
    * Analysis: This demonstrates that `能力` can also refer to financial capability or resources, not just skills.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 她**有能力**解决任何难题。
    * Pinyin: Tā **yǒu nénglì** jiějué rènhé nántí.
    * English: She is capable of solving any difficult problem.
    * Analysis: This highlights a person's general problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 我们需要找到一个**有能力**的领导来带领团队。
    * Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào zhǎodào yī ge **yǒu nénglì** de lǐngdǎo lái dàilǐng tuánduì.
    * English: We need to find a capable leader to lead the team.
    * Analysis: A typical example from a business or organizational context. `有能力` is a key requirement for a leadership position.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 只要你努力，就一定**有能力**实现你的梦想。
    * Pinyin: Zhǐyào nǐ nǔlì, jiù yīdìng **yǒu nénglì** shíxiàn nǐ de mèngxiǎng.
    * English: As long as you work hard, you will definitely have the ability to realize your dreams.
    * Analysis: This sentence links effort (`努力`) with gaining capability (`有能力`), showing it's something that can be developed.
  * **Example 7:**
    * 他年纪轻轻就已经显示出非凡的领导**能力**。我们都觉得他很**有能力**。
    * Pinyin: Tā niánjì qīngqīng jiù yǐjīng xiǎnshì chū fēifán de lǐngdǎo **nénglì**. Wǒmen dōu juéde tā hěn **yǒu nénglì**.
    * English: At a young age, he already showed extraordinary leadership ability. We all think he is very capable.
    * Analysis: This shows the relationship between the noun `能力 (nénglì)` and the adjective/verb phrase `有能力 (yǒu nénglì)`.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 别担心，我**有能力**处理好这件事。
    * Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, wǒ **yǒu nénglì** chǔlǐ hǎo zhè jiàn shì.
    * English: Don't worry, I have the ability to handle this matter well.
    * Analysis: A phrase used to reassure others of one's own competence.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 一个公司是否**有能力**创新，决定了它的未来。
    * Pinyin: Yī ge gōngsī shìfǒu **yǒu nénglì** chuàngxīn, juédìng le tā de wèilái.
    * English: Whether a company has the ability to innovate determines its future.
    * Analysis: This applies the concept of `有能力` to an organization, not just a person.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 他被认为是最**有能力**的候选人。
    * Pinyin: Tā bèi rènwéi shì zuì **yǒu nénglì** de hòuxuǎnrén.
    * English: He is considered to be the most capable candidate.
    * Analysis: A common phrase used in elections, job searches, or any selection process.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `有能力 (yǒu nénglì)`, `能 (néng)`, and `会 (huì)`. They all relate to "ability" but are not interchangeable.
  *   **`会 (huì)`:** Refers to a learned skill. If you learned how to do something, you use `会`.
    *   Example: 我**会**说中文。(Wǒ **huì** shuō Zhōngwén.) - I can speak Chinese (because I learned it).
  *   **`能 (néng)`:** Refers to possibility, permission, or a temporary/inherent physical ability.
    *   Example: 我明天**能**来。(Wǒ míngtiān **néng** lái.) - I can come tomorrow (it's possible).
    *   Example: 我**能**喝十杯咖啡。(Wǒ **néng** hē shí bēi kāfēi.) - I can drink ten cups of coffee (my body can handle it).
  *   **`有能力 (yǒu nénglì)`:** Refers to a broader, more comprehensive competence to handle a task or situation successfully. It's an assessment of one's overall effectiveness.
**Common Mistake:** Using `有能力` for a simple, singular skill.
  * **Incorrect:** 我会开车，所以我很**有能力**。(Wǒ huì kāichē, suǒyǐ wǒ hěn **yǒu nénglì**.)
  * **Why it's wrong:** This sounds arrogant and strange. Being able to drive (`会开车`) is just one specific skill. It doesn't automatically make you a "capable" person in a general sense.
  * **Correct:** 我**会**开车。(Wǒ **huì** kāichē.) - I can drive.
  * **Correct Usage of 有能力:** 他很**有能力**，不仅会开车，还会修车，而且总能找到最佳路线。(Tā hěn **yǒu nénglì**, bùjǐn huì kāichē, hái huì xiūchē, érqiě zǒng néng zhǎodào zuìjiā lùxiàn.) - He is very capable; not only can he drive, he can also fix cars, and he can always find the best route.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[能力]] (nénglì) - The root noun: "ability," "capability," "competence." `有能力` simply means "to have" `能力`.
  * [[没有能力]] (méiyǒu nénglì) - The direct antonym: "incapable," "lacking the ability."
  * [[能干]] (nénggàn) - A close synonym, often implying someone is both capable and efficient. It's high praise for being a "doer."
  * [[本事]] (běnshi) - A more colloquial term for "skill" or "ability," often used to describe an impressive, practical skill. It can sometimes have a slightly boastful feel.
  * [[才华]] (cáihuá) - Refers specifically to artistic or literary talent. It's about creative giftedness, not general competence.
  * [[天赋]] (tiānfù) - "Innate talent" or a "natural gift." This is an ability you are born with, as opposed to one developed through hard work.
  * [[水平]] (shuǐpíng) - "Level" or "standard." Used to measure proficiency in a skill, e.g., 他的中文水平很高 (Tā de Zhōngwén shuǐpíng hěn gāo) - His Chinese level is very high.
  * [[实力]] (shílì) - "Actual strength" or "real power." This term is often used in competitive contexts, like business or sports, to refer to a person's, team's, or company's proven power.