noun HSK 4
néng liàng
energy · power · vigor

Meaning

能量 refers to energy in both scientific and everyday contexts. It can mean physical energy in physics (kinetic, potential, electrical), biological energy from food, or metaphorical energy like enthusiasm and vitality. It's a versatile term used across technical and casual conversations.

Usage

Commonly used in scientific contexts (physics, nutrition), fitness discussions, and motivational speech. Native speakers often say someone is 'full of energy' (充满能量) or that certain foods 'provide energy' (提供能量). Also popular in wellness culture to describe positive vibes or mental energy.

Examples

  1. 01
    运动后要及时补充能量
    Yùn dòng hòu yào shí chōng néng liàng.
    You need to replenish your energy promptly after exercising.
  2. 02
    他总是充满正能量,让人感到很舒服。
    zǒng shì chōng mǎn zhèng néng liàng, ràng rén gǎn dào hěn shū fu.
    He's always full of positive energy, which makes people feel comfortable.

Characters

Measure words

  • fèn一份能量
  • 一股能量

Common collocations

  • 能量
    zhèng néng liàng
    positive energy
  • 能量饮料
    néng liàng yǐn liào
    energy drink
  • 充满能量
    chōng mǎn néng liàng
    full of energy
  • 节约能量
    jié yuē néng liàng
    conserve energy

Origin

Modern compound combining 能 (capability, power) and 量 (quantity). Coined as a translation term for the Western scientific concept of 'energy' in the late 19th/early 20th century.

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