Today’s word of the day is 能 (néng) which means ‘to be able to’. Let’s practice by making different words, phrases, and sentences with 能 (néng).
可能 (kě néng) Might
The first word is 可能 (kě néng) which means ‘might’. Let’s look at each character of this word, 可 means can, and 能 means able. A way of using it in a sentence is 她可能不来。 (Tā kěnéng bù lái.) She might not come. Say this when you think someone might not be coming to an event for example.
能力 (néng lì) Capability
Another word we can create with 能 (néng) is 能力 (néng lì). This means capability. Let’s again look at each character of this word, 能 means able, and 力 means power. A way of using it in a sentence is 我对自己的能力很有自信。(Wǒ duì zìjǐ de nénglì hěn yǒu zìxìn.) I am very confident in my own abilities.
才能 (cái néng) Heart
Finally, we can create the word 才能 (cái néng) which means ‘talent’. The 才 here means ability. A way of using it in a sentence is 你有绘画的才能吗？(Nǐ yǒu huìhuà de cáinéng ma?) Do you have a talent for painting?