auxiliary verb / noun HSK 1
can · to be able to · ability · energy
Meaning
能 is one of the most fundamental auxiliary verbs in Mandarin, expressing ability or possibility. It indicates that someone has the capability or skill to do something, or that circumstances permit an action. As a noun, it can mean 'ability' or 'energy'.
Usage
能 is used before action verbs to show capability or permission. It's more formal than 会 (huì) when discussing learned skills, and emphasizes external possibility or permission rather than just knowing how. Native speakers use it constantly in both spoken and written Chinese. It can also appear in compounds like 能力 (ability) and 能源 (energy source).
Examples
- 01我能说一点儿中文。.I can speak a little Chinese.
- 02今天你能来吗？?Can you come today?
Common collocations
- 能不能can or cannot; is it possible
- 尽可能as much as possible
- 可能possible; maybe
- 能源energy source
Antonyms
Origin
Originally depicted a bear, an animal known for its strength and power. The character evolved to represent capability and energy.