有能

• Reading: ゆうのう
• Romaji: yuuno
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yu/u) — to have, to possess | 能 (no/nou) — ability, talent
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.noː/

Meaning

Capable; competent; talented; able. Describes a person who possesses the skills and ability to perform their role well.

A na-adjective that functions as the direct antonym of 無能 (incompetent). 有能 focuses on practical ability and professional effectiveness — it is often used to evaluate someone's performance in a workplace or project context. It is slightly more objective and formal than やり手 (go-getter) and does not imply the cunning or drive that やり手 carries. Frequently appears in HR, business, and academic writing.

Examples

1. 有能なスタッフが揃っているおかげで、プロジェクトは予定より早く完了した。 Thanks to having capable staff assembled, the project was completed ahead of schedule.
2. 有能であることと、周囲に好かれることは、必ずしも一致しない。 Being competent and being liked by those around you don't necessarily go hand in hand.
3. 彼は有能だと自他ともに認めているが、謙虚さに欠けるのが玉にきずだ。 He is recognized by himself and others as talented, but his one flaw is a lack of humility.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, academic writing, personnel evaluation, business

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

Compound of 有 (yu/u) meaning 'to have, to exist' and 能 (no) meaning 'ability, talent, capability'. The combination 有能 literally means 'possessing ability' — a Sino-Japanese compound frequently used in formal evaluative language.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional