About

The word 能够 is formed by combining two individual characters, each with its own core meaning, into a single conceptual unit. The first character, 能, originates from an ancient pictograph of a powerful animal (like a bear) and carries the fundamental idea of "ability" or "capability". The second character, 够, is itself a compound meaning "to reach" or "to be sufficient", composed of elements suggesting bending to attain an abundance. Therefore, 能够 is conceptually constructed by fusing the notion of inherent "capability" (能) with the idea of "reaching a point of sufficiency" (够), to jointly express the meaning of "to be able to" in the sense of having the capacity to adequately accomplish something.

Example Sentences Hide

能够唱歌。

Wǒ nénggòu chànggē.

I can sing.

能够说英语。

Tā nénggòu shuō Yīngyǔ.

He can speak English.

如果你练习,你能够学会。

Rúguǒ nǐ liànxí, nǐ nénggòu xuéhuì.

If you practice, you can learn it.

她希望能够去旅行。

Tā xīwàng nénggòu qù lǚxíng.

She hopes to be able to travel.

只有通过考试,他们才能够毕业。

Zhǐyǒu tōngguò kǎoshì, tāmen cái nénggòu bìyè.

Only by passing the exam can they graduate.

Word Definition - 能够

néng gòu to be capable of; to be able to; can

Individual Character Details