本领

• Pinyin: běn lǐng
• Hanzi breakdown: 本 = 木 (tree) with a mark at the base, meaning root; 领 = 令 (order) + 页 (head), meaning to lead or receive

Meaning

Skill; ability; capability. A practical skill or talent that someone has developed.

Often used with 学 (learn) or 有 (have). Implies practical, hands-on skills rather than theoretical knowledge. 学本领 (learn skills) is commonly used for children and young people developing abilities.

Examples

1. 他的做饭本领很高，什么菜都会做。 His cooking skills are excellent — he can make any dish.
2. 年轻人应该多学本领。 Young people should learn more practical skills.
3. 小猫也有抓老鼠的本领。 Kittens also have the skill of catching mice.

Usage Guide

Context: skills, education, daily life

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他有很大的本领。(He has great skills.)
• 要想成功，就要先学好本领。(To succeed, you must first develop good skills.)

Don't Say

• 他的本领是数学 (Don't use 本领 for academic subjects — it refers to practical abilities. Say 他数学很好 for academic strengths)

Origin & History

Compound of 本 (root, origin) and 领 (to lead, receive), suggesting fundamental capabilities one has mastered.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal