néng: 能 - Can, To be able to, Ability, Capable

• Keywords: néng, neng, 能, can, to be able to, Chinese grammar, modal verb, possibility, Chinese for beginners, learn Chinese, 会, 可以, how to say can in Chinese, Chinese ability, Chinese possibility.
• Summary: “Néng” (能) is one of the most fundamental words in Chinese, a modal verb used to express “can,” “to be able to,” or “possibility.” It's essential for beginners to master, but its meaning is more specific than the English “can.” This page explores how “néng” focuses on inherent or circumstantial ability (whether you have the power or the situation allows it) and contrasts it with the learned skills of “huì” (会) and the permission of “kěyǐ” (可以), providing a clear guide to using it correctly in everyday conversation.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): néng
• Part of Speech: Modal Verb / Auxiliary Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 1
• Concise Definition: Expresses inherent ability, physical capability, or that circumstances permit something to happen.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 能 (néng) as describing a current state of “can-ness.” It's not about a skill you learned, but about whether you are currently able or if the situation allows you to do something. If you can lift a heavy box, that's `能`. If you can't come to the party because you're sick, that's also about `能` (or rather, `不能`, bù néng). It's about the objective possibility or power in the moment.

• 能 (néng): The character's ancient form was a pictogram of a bear (熊, xióng). A bear symbolizes great physical strength and power. Over time, this character came to represent the abstract concept of “ability,” “power,” or “capability” that the bear embodied. So when you see `能`, think of that raw power or inherent ability to do something.

While `能` itself isn't a deep philosophical concept, the way it's distinguished from other words for “can” reveals a certain precision in Chinese thought. In English, “can” is a catch-all term. We ask, “Can you speak Chinese?” and “Can you help me?” and “Can I go to the bathroom?” using the same word. Chinese culture, through its language, encourages more specificity about the type of ability:

• 能 (néng): Is it circumstantially or physically possible? (Are you strong enough? Do you have time?)
• 会 (huì): Is it a learned skill? (Did you take lessons? Did you study it?)
• 可以 (kěyǐ): Is it permissible? (Are you allowed to? Is it okay if I…?)

This distinction isn't just grammar; it reflects a clearer categorization of the world. A Western learner's “aha!” moment often comes from realizing that asking `你会开车吗？ (Nǐ huì kāichē ma?)` (Do you know how to drive?) is different from asking a tired friend `你现在能开车吗？ (Nǐ xiànzài néng kāichē ma?)` (Are you able to drive right now?). This linguistic precision avoids ambiguity that English often allows.

`能` is used constantly in daily life, from simple statements of ability to complex negotiations of possibility.

• Expressing Physical or Inherent Ability: This is its most basic use. It refers to a power you have.
• `我能举起这个箱子。` (Wǒ néng jǔqǐ zhège xiāngzi.) - I can lift this box.
• Indicating Possibility/Circumstance: This is extremely common. It describes whether a situation allows for an action.
• `今天太忙了，我不能跟你吃饭。` (Jīntiān tài máng le, wǒ bù néng gēn nǐ chīfàn.) - I'm too busy today, I can't eat with you.
• Emphasizing a High Degree of Something (Informal): Used colloquially, `能` can mean “to be very good at” something, often with a slight tone of awe or exasperation.
• `他太能吃了！` (Tā tài néng chī le!) - He can really eat a lot! / He's such a big eater!
• Asking for Permission (Less common than `可以`): While `可以 (kěyǐ)` is the standard for asking permission, `能` is sometimes used, especially in informal questions. It carries a subtle nuance of “Is it possible for me to…”
• `我能用一下你的笔吗？` (Wǒ néng yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?) - Can I use your pen for a second?

• Example 1:
  • 我能看见你，但是听不见你说话。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ néng kànjiàn nǐ, dànshì tīngbujiàn nǐ shuōhuà.
  • English: I can see you, but I can't hear you speak.
  • Analysis: This is a perfect example of circumstantial ability. The ability to see is present, but the circumstance (e.g., a bad connection) prevents the ability to hear.
• Example 2:
  • 你能帮我一个忙吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yīgè máng ma?
  • English: Can you do me a favor?
  • Analysis: Here, `能` asks about the other person's current availability and willingness. It's asking, “Is it possible for you to help me right now?”
• Example 3:
  • 医生说我的腿很快就能好。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō wǒ de tuǐ hěn kuài jiù néng hǎo.
  • English: The doctor said my leg will be better soon.
  • Analysis: `能` here indicates the restoration of a physical capability. The leg will regain its “ability” to be well.
• Example 4:
  • 你放心，这件事我一定能办好。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ fàngxīn, zhè jiàn shì wǒ yīdìng néng bàn hǎo.
  • English: Don't worry, I can definitely handle this matter well.
  • Analysis: `能` is used here to express confidence in one's capability to achieve a result. It implies having the resources, skills, and power to succeed.
• Example 5:
  • 他这个人很能干，什么都会做。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhège rén hěn nénggàn, shénme dōu huì zuò.
  • English: He is a very capable person; he knows how to do everything.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows `能` used in a compound word, `能干 (nénggàn)`, which means “capable” or “competent.”
• Example 6:
  • 下大雪了，今天的航班能正常起飞吗？
  • Pinyin: Xià dàxuě le, jīntiān de hángbān néng zhèngcháng qǐfēi ma?
  • English: It's snowing heavily, can today's flight take off normally?
  • Analysis: This is about circumstantial possibility. The question is whether the weather allows the plane to fly.
• Example 7:
  • 他太能说了，我们一句话都插不上。
  • Pinyin: Tā tài néng shuō le, wǒmen yījù huà dōu chā bushàng.
  • English: He can talk so much, we couldn't get a word in.
  • Analysis: This is the informal, emphatic usage. “太能 (tài néng)…” means “to be exceedingly good at…” or “to do… a lot.”
• Example 8:
  • 只要努力，你就能成功。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyào nǔlì, nǐ jiù néng chénggōng.
  • English: As long as you work hard, you can succeed.
  • Analysis: `能` here describes the potential or possibility of success, which is unlocked by the condition of “working hard.”
• Example 9:
  • 一瓶啤酒下肚，他什么话都能说出来。
  • Pinyin: Yī píng píjiǔ xiàdù, tā shénme huà dōu néng shuō chūlái.
  • English: After one bottle of beer, he can say anything.
  • Analysis: This implies that the beer removes his inhibitions, changing the circumstances and making it possible for him to say things he normally wouldn't.
• Example 10:
  • 这种材料能防火。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng cáiliào néng fánghuǒ.
  • English: This type of material can resist fire (is fireproof).
  • Analysis: Here, `能` describes an inherent property or function of an object. The material has the “ability” to resist fire.

The most common pitfall for learners is confusing `能 (néng)`, `会 (huì)`, and `可以 (kěyǐ)`. They all translate to “can” but are not interchangeable. Key Distinction:

• 能 (néng): Innate/Physical/Circumstantial Ability. Focuses on possibility and power.
• 会 (huì): Learned Skill. Focuses on knowledge and training.
• 可以 (kěyǐ): Permission / It's okay to… Focuses on rules and social allowance.

Common Mistakes:

• Mistake 1: Using `能` for a learned skill.
  • Incorrect: `我能说中文。` (Wǒ néng shuō Zhōngwén.)
  • Why it's wrong: While not grammatically impossible (it could mean “I am physically able to speak Chinese right now”), it's unnatural. Speaking a language is a learned skill.
  • Correct: `我会说中文。` (Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén.) - I can (know how to) speak Chinese.
• Mistake 2: Using `会` to ask for permission.
  • Incorrect: `老师，我会上厕所吗？` (Lǎoshī, wǒ huì shàng cèsuǒ ma?)
  • Why it's wrong: This literally asks, “Teacher, do I know how to use the toilet?” which is unintentionally funny. You are asking for permission, not about your knowledge.
  • Correct: `老师，我可以上厕所吗？` (Lǎoshī, wǒ kěyǐ shàng cèsuǒ ma?) - Teacher, may I go to the restroom?
• Mistake 3: Confusing “can't” due to circumstance vs. skill.
  • Context: Someone asks you to sing a song.
  • If you don't know the song: `我不会唱这首歌。` (Wǒ bù huì chàng zhè shǒu gē.) - I don't know how to sing this song. (`会` for skill)
  • If you know the song but have a sore throat: `我不能唱这首歌，我嗓子疼。` (Wǒ bù néng chàng zhè shǒu gē, wǒ sǎngzi téng.) - I can't sing this song, my throat hurts. (`能` for physical ability)

• 会 (huì) - The modal verb for “can” that refers to a learned skill or knowledge.
• 可以 (kěyǐ) - The modal verb for “can” or “may” that refers to permission or suggesting something is acceptable.
• 能力 (nénglì) - A noun meaning “ability,” “capability,” or “competence.” (e.g., 工作能力 - work ability).
• 可能 (kěnéng) - An adverb or adjective meaning “possible,” “maybe,” or “possibility.” It's directly formed from `能`.
• 功能 (gōngnéng) - A noun meaning “function” or “feature,” as in the function of a machine or software.
• 不能 (bù néng) - The direct negation, “cannot,” “must not,” used when circumstances or rules prevent an action.
• 才能 (cáinéng) - A noun meaning “(natural) talent” or “aptitude,” a specific kind of ability.
• 能干 (nénggàn) - An adjective meaning “capable” or “competent,” used to describe a person.
• 万能 (wànnéng) - An adjective meaning “all-powerful,” “omnipotent,” or “universal” (e.g., a universal remote).