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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'ability' or 'capability' with 能力 (nénglì)

    Permission & Ability

    Structure

    Modifier + 能力

    Explanation

    能力 (nénglì) means 'ability' or 'capability' and refers to the capacity to do something. It is often modified by a preceding word that specifies the type of ability, such as 工作能力 (work ability) or 解释能力 (explanatory ability). It is a formal term used in both spoken and written Chinese.

    Examples

    • 学好一门外语需要很强的语言能力。

      Xué hǎo yī mén wàiyǔ xūyào hěn qiáng de yǔyán nénglì.

      Learning a foreign language well requires strong language ability.

    • 公司在招聘时非常看重团队合作能力。

      Gōngsī zài zhāopìn shí fēicháng kànzhòng tuánduì hézuò nénglì.

      The company places great importance on teamwork ability when hiring.

    • 她的沟通能力很强，客户都很喜欢跟她打交道。

      Tā de gōutōng nénglì hěn qiáng, kèhù dōu hěn xǐhuān gēn tā dǎ jiāodào.

      She has excellent communication skills, and clients all enjoy working with her.

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    Referring to 'ability' or 'capability' with 能力 (nénglì) | Chinese Grammar