能源

• Pinyin: néng yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 能 = bear pictograph → capability/energy; 源 = 氵(water) + 原(original plain) — the source or origin, as the source of a river

Meaning

Energy resources; sources of energy such as coal, oil, gas, and renewables used by industry, transportation, and daily life.

A broad term encompassing all types of energy sources. Commonly discussed in energy security, the transition to renewables, and national policy. 新能源 (new energy) specifically refers to renewables such as solar and wind power.

Examples

1. 为减少对化石能源的依赖，该国大力发展太阳能和风能等可再生能源，成效显著。 To reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, the country has vigorously developed renewables like solar and wind, with significant results.
2. 能源价格的大幅波动直接影响了制造业的生产成本，许多企业因此陷入了经营困境。 Major swings in energy prices directly affect manufacturing costs, pushing many companies into operational difficulties.
3. 如何在经济发展与能源安全之间找到平衡，是每个工业化国家都必须面对的核心课题。 How to strike a balance between economic development and energy security is a core issue every industrialized country must face.

Usage Guide

Context: energy policy, environmental science, economics, industry, news

Tone: neutral/analytical

Do Say

• 推动能源结构转型是应对气候变化的根本措施，单纯依靠末端治理无法从根本上解决碳排放问题。(Driving the transformation of the energy structure is a fundamental measure for addressing climate change — relying solely on end-of-pipe treatment cannot fundamentally solve the problem of carbon emissions.)
• 全球能源格局正在经历深刻变革，可再生能源的成本持续下降，逐渐具备了与传统化石能源竞争的实力。(The global energy landscape is undergoing profound change — the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, gradually gaining the competitive strength to rival traditional fossil fuels.)

Don't Say

• 将'能源'与'能量'混用 — 能源 refers to energy as a resource or fuel source at the macro level; 能量 refers to energy as a physical quantity or personal vitality

Origin & History

能(ability/energy) + 源(source/origin). Together: energy sources — the origins and wellsprings of power.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal