What does 能 mean in Chinese?

能 (néng) means "can; to be able to; might possibly; ability; (physics) energy" in Chinese. It is an HSK Level 1 word.

How do you pronounce 能?

能 is pronounced "néng" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 2.

What HSK level is 能?

能 is an HSK Level 1 word (HSK 2.0: Level 1, HSK 3.0: Level 1).

What words contain the character 能?

Common words with 能 include 尽可能 (as far as possible), 不能不 (have to), 不能 (cannot), 低能 (incapable), 佳能 (Canon (Japanese company)).

How do you write 能?

能 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 月. You can view the stroke order animation on our stroke order tool.

能 (néng), can

能

néng

can; to be able to; might possibly; ability

HSK 1verb10 strokes

Character Breakdown

能 = 厶 + 月 + 匕 + 匕

A bear with flesh and claws — able, capable

Radical: 月 (no. 130)Strokes: 10

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb) can
to be able to
might possibly
ability
(physics) energy

Example Sentences

我能帮你。

Wǒ néng bāng nǐ

I can help you

Words Containing 能

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
尽可能	jǐn kě néng	as far as possible	HSK 5
不能不	bù néng bù	have to	HSK 5
不能	bù néng	cannot
低能	dī néng	incapable
佳能	Jiā néng	Canon (Japanese company)
不可能	bù kě néng	impossible
低能儿	dī néng ér	retarded child
七项全能	qī xiàng quán néng	heptathlon
三项全能	sān xiàng quán néng	triathlon
不能抵抗	bù néng dǐ kàng	irresistible

Showing 10 of 20 · View all words with 能 →

Related Words

或(huò)· maybe

→

任贤使能(rèn xián shǐ néng)· to appoint the virtuous and use the able (idiom); appointment on the basis of ability and integrity

→

有手有脚(yǒu shǒu yǒu jiǎo)· lit. have hands have feet

→

有可能(yǒu kě néng)· possible

→

Grammar Notes

Ability with 会HSK 1

Subject + 会 + Verb + Object

Double 不 for EmphasisHSK 2

不 A 不 B OR 不...不 + Verb

Sentence-final 呢HSK 2

Subject + 呢？ OR Statement + 呢

Can/May (能 vs 可以)HSK 2

Subject + 能/可以 + Verb + Object

把 ConstructionHSK 3

Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Complement/Result

Appears in these articles

HSK & Exam Info

HSK 2.0: Level 1HSK 3.0: Level 1

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.

能