万能

• Pinyin: wàn néng
• Hanzi breakdown: 万 = ten thousand (all); 能 = pictograph of a bear — strength and ability

Meaning

Omnipotent; all-powerful; all-purpose; universal. Capable of doing or handling anything.

Used both literally (a universal tool or adapter) and figuratively (an all-powerful person or solution). In casual speech it can be used with irony — calling something '万能' that seems to solve everything. Also common in product marketing (a multi-purpose gadget). The sense of 'almighty' can be theological, hyperbolic, or technical.

Examples

1. 这款软件号称万能，几乎能处理所有格式的文件。 This software claims to be all-purpose, capable of handling almost every file format.
2. 没有什么是万能的，合适的工具才是最重要的。 Nothing is truly all-powerful — the right tool for the job is what matters most.
3. 他在公司里被同事戏称为万能工，什么事情都能搞定。 His colleagues jokingly call him the all-rounder at the company, because he can get anything done.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, product, hyperbole

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个万能遥控器可以控制家里所有的电器。(This universal remote can control all the appliances in the house.)
• 金钱不是万能的，但很多事离开它又什么都不行。(Money is not all-powerful, but without it many things fall apart.)

Don't Say

• 在正式神学或哲学语境中随意用万能代替全能 — in theology, 全能 (omnipotent) is preferred; 万能 is more secular and everyday

Origin & History

Compound of 万 (ten thousand, all) and 能 (able, capable). Literally 'able for all ten thousand things' — capable of everything.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal