本事

• Pinyin: běn shi
• Hanzi breakdown: 本 = 木 (tree) with a mark at the base, meaning root; 事 = pictograph of a hand holding a tool, meaning matter

Meaning

Ability; skill; capability. Often used colloquially to describe someone's competence or talent.

Similar to 本领 but more colloquial and sometimes carries a challenging or admiring tone. 有本事 can mean 'to be capable' or be used as a challenge: 'if you have the ability, then do it.' Slightly informal.

Examples

1. 他真有本事，一个人开了三家店。 He's really capable — he opened three shops all by himself.
2. 有本事你自己试试看。 If you think you can do it, try it yourself.
3. 没有真本事是找不到好工作的。 Without real ability, you can't find a good job.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, admiration, challenge

Tone: colloquial

Do Say

• 她很有本事，什么问题都能解决。(She is very capable — she can solve any problem.)
• 有本事就去做啊！(If you're so capable, then go do it!)

Don't Say

• 他有本事在数学 (Don't add a subject with 在 — say 他数学很好 for academic subjects, or 他有本事 as a general statement)

Origin & History

Compound of 本 (root, fundamental) and 事 (matter, ability), referring to one's core capabilities.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal