Kilo Lingo

(néng lì) - ability, capability in Mandarin

néng

Traditional: 能力

Line drawing of 能力
Coloured illustration of 能力
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Translation

ability, capability

Word origin

能力 (nénglì) 'ability' joins 能 'can, able' with 力 'strength, power'. 能 derives from a drawing of a bear; 力 is a pictograph of a plough or a flexed, sinewy arm.

Origin
compound
Root
能 (able) + 力 (strength, pictograph)

Stroke order

Stroke order for 能

Stroke order for 力

Examples

His ability is impressive.

fàn

This is beyond my capability.

His work ability is very strong.

Her ability is very strong.

I need to improve my writing ability.

能力 (néng lì) means ability or capability.

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Mandarin · Free printables

能力: worksheet, infographic and listicle

Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "能力" (ability, capability): 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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This word is part of lesson 20.