能够

néng gòu

HSK 3.0 Level 4 Verb Very common

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Definitions

1. to be capable of
2. to be able to
3. can

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Word relationships

Antonyms

1 item

• 不能 bù néng 不能 bù néng cannot Opposite of 'be able to'.: cannot

Synonyms

2 items

• 可以 kě yǐ 可以 kě yǐ can Both indicate ability, but 可以 can also express permission, while 能够 emphasizes capability.: can
• 能 néng 能 néng can Both mean 'can' or 'be able to'; 能够 is more formal and often interchangeable.: can

Usage notes

Collocations

Often used in formal contexts to emphasize capability; less common in casual speech than 能 or 可以.

Common mistakes

Don't use 能够 for permission; use 可以 instead. For ability, 能够 implies a higher degree of capability.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他 能够 用汉语聊天。

He is able to chat in Chinese.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 能够

• 巴不能够 巴不能够 bā bù néng gòu: avid

Child Words of 能够

• 够 够 gòu: enough (sufficient)
• 能 能 néng: can