能够

• Pinyin: néng gòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 能 (néng) — able, can; 够 (gòu) — enough, sufficient

Meaning

To be able to; can; to be capable of. A slightly more formal or emphatic form of 能.

Functions the same as 能 (can/able to) but is more formal and slightly more emphatic. Often used in written Chinese, speeches, and when expressing hopes or wishes. Common in patterns like 希望能够 (hope to be able to) and 如果能够 (if one could).

Examples

1. 我希望能够去中国学习。 I hope to be able to go to China to study.
2. 他能够一个人完成这个任务。 He is able to complete this task on his own.
3. 如果能够早一点知道就好了。 It would have been great if we could have known earlier.

Usage Guide

Context: formal speech, writing, wishes

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 希望我们能够合作。(I hope we can work together.)
• 每个人都能够改变自己。(Everyone is capable of changing themselves.)

Don't Say

• 不要在日常口语中过度使用'能够' (Don't overuse 能够 in casual speech — it sounds stiff; just use 能 in everyday conversation)

Origin & History

Compound of 能 (able, can) and 够 (enough, sufficient). The addition of 够 reinforces and slightly formalises the sense of capability.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal