Meaning
潜力 refers to hidden or undeveloped abilities and possibilities that haven't yet been fully realized or utilized. It describes the capacity for growth, improvement, or achievement that exists within a person, thing, or situation but may not be immediately visible.
Usage
Commonly used in contexts of personal development, business, education, and talent assessment. Often appears with verbs like 发挥 (fāhuī, to bring into play), 挖掘 (wājué, to tap/unearth), and 有 (yǒu, to have). Can describe both people and things like markets or technologies.
Examples
- 01这个年轻人很有潜力，值得培养。, .This young person has great potential and is worth developing.
- 02中国市场还有很大的发展潜力。.The Chinese market still has great development potential.
Characters
Common collocations
- 发挥潜力to realize/unleash one's potential
- 挖掘潜力to tap/unearth potential
- 有潜力to have potential
- 巨大的潜力huge potential
Origin
The character 潜 originally meant 'to dive' or 'submerge in water,' suggesting something hidden beneath the surface. Combined with 力 (strength/power), 潜力 literally means 'submerged strength' or power that lies beneath the surface waiting to emerge.