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 méiyǒu 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`.
`能 (néng)`: Refers to possibility, permission, or a temporary/inherent physical ability.
`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.
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.