(cái néng) - talent, ability; only then can in Mandarin
cáinéngTraditional: 才能
Translation
talent, ability; only then can
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Word origin
A two-character word: 才 'talent, ability' (a sprout breaking through the ground) plus 能 'to be able' (originally a pictograph of a bear). Together 才能 means talent or ability.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 才 (talent) + 能 (able)
Stroke order
才
能
Examples
。
She has great musical talent.
，。
You have to work hard, only then can you succeed.
。
This job requires special ability.
。
She has great musical talent.
。
His talent has been recognised.
才能 has two distinct uses depending on context. As a noun it means talent or ability - an innate or acquired skill (有才能, to have talent). As a verb phrase it means only then can or only by doing X can one Y - here 才 acts as an adverb meaning only then and 能 means can. The two uses are distinguished by whether 才能 is followed by a noun (talent) or a verb (only then can). Both uses appear very frequently in Mandarin.
Where this fits
Used in
Grammar articles
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Mandarin · Free printables
才能: worksheet, infographic and listicleThe padlock and Plus mark show a Kilo Lingo Plus feature. Start your free week to unlock it - no card needed.
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "才能" (talent, ability; only then can): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 8, lesson 1: 才能, 样子, 倒 and 7 more words.