能

• 拼音: néng
• 汉字拆解: 能 = originally a pictograph of a bear, symbolising strength and capability

含义

Can; to be able to. Expresses ability, capability, or permission.

One of the most important auxiliary verbs. Expresses physical ability or learned capability. Different from 会 (know how to, learned skill) and 可以 (have permission). Often used in questions to ask about possibility or ability.

例句

1. 你能帮我吗？
2. 我今天不能去。
3. 他能说三种语言。

用法指南

语境: ability, everyday

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 你能来吗？(Can you come?)
• 我能自己做。(I can do it myself.)

错误说法

• 我能游泳。(Less natural for learned skills — say 我会游泳 for 'I can swim' as a learned ability; use 能 for situational ability like 今天我能游泳)

起源与历史

Originally a pictograph of a bear, symbolising strength and ability. The meaning shifted from physical power to general capability.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal