能

• 読み: のう
• ローマ字: nou
• 漢字の分解: 能 (nou) — ability, Noh theatre
• 発音: /noː/

意味

Ability; skill; talent; also the traditional Japanese theatrical art form Noh.

A noun with two main meanings: ability/skill and the classical Japanese performing art. In the 'ability' sense, it appears in compounds: 能力 (nouryoku, ability), 才能 (sainou, talent), 可能 (kanou, possible), 機能 (kinou, function). As the theatrical art, 能 (Noh) is one of Japan's oldest performing traditions, combining dance, music, and masked drama. The dual meaning connects skill with artistic mastery.

例文

1. 彼には音楽の才能がある。
2. 京都で初めて能を観たが感動した。
3. この機能を使えばもっと便利になる。

使い方ガイド

場面: abilities, traditional arts, technology

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

The kanji 能 originally depicted a bear (熊), symbolising power and capability. Over time it came to represent ability and skill in general. The theatrical art 能 takes its name from this sense of refined skill.

文化的背景

時代: Muromachi period

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal