能干

• Pinyin: néng gàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 能 = originally a pictograph of a bear, symbolising strength and ability; 干 = a pestle shape, meaning to do or work

Meaning

Capable; competent; able. Describes someone who is skilled and effective at getting things done.

A positive adjective praising someone's practical ability and efficiency. Often used to describe colleagues, employees, or family members who handle tasks well. Can modify people directly (她很能干) or be used attributively (能干的人). Slightly more colloquial than 有能力, and carries a warmer, more personal tone of admiration.

Examples

1. 她非常能干，公司很多重要的事情都交给她做。 She is extremely capable — many important tasks in the company are given to her.
2. 小李真能干，一个人就把会议安排好了。 Xiao Li is really competent; he arranged the whole meeting by himself.
3. 我妈妈特别能干，家里的大事小事都处理得很好。 My mum is especially capable — she handles everything at home, big or small, very well.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, family, everyday praise

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 你真能干，这么快就做完了。(You're really capable — you finished so quickly.)
• 他是我们部门最能干的人。(He is the most capable person in our department.)

Don't Say

• 这台电脑很能干 (Don't use 能干 for machines or objects — it only describes people's abilities; for machines, say 性能好 or 功能强)

Origin & History

A compound of 能 (able/can) and 干 (do/work) — literally able to do things; someone who can get work done effectively.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal