nénggòu: 能够 - To be able to; Can; Capable of

• Keywords: nenggou, 能够, Chinese modal verbs, can, be able to, capable of, ability in Chinese, how to say can in Chinese, 能 vs 会 vs 可以, HSK3 grammar, Chinese auxiliary verbs
• Summary: A comprehensive guide to the Chinese modal verb 能够 (nénggòu), which means “to be able to” or “capable of.” This page explains its core meaning, compares it to similar words like 能 (néng), 会 (huì), and 可以 (kěyǐ), and provides numerous practical examples. Learn how to use 能够 (nénggòu) to express inherent ability or the successful overcoming of challenges in both formal and informal contexts.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): nénggòu
• Part of Speech: Modal Verb (Auxiliary Verb)
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: To be able to; to be capable of doing something.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 能够 (nénggòu) as a more formal or emphatic version of “can.” It stresses the possession of the necessary skills, circumstances, or strength to perform an action. While the shorter word 能 (néng) is used more frequently in casual speech, 能够 (nénggòu) often implies that an ability exists, perhaps after overcoming some obstacle, or that a certain condition has been met which now makes an action possible.

• 能 (néng): This character's ancient form was a pictograph of a bear, an animal symbolizing strength and power. Thus, 能 fundamentally means “ability,” “power,” “energy,” or “can.”
• 够 (gòu): This character means “enough,” “sufficient,” or “to reach.” It combines 多 (duō), meaning “much/many,” with the phonetic component 句 (jù).
• Together, 能够 (nénggòu) literally translates to “ability-enough.” This fusion creates a word that means “to be sufficiently able” or “to possess the required capability,” highlighting that all conditions for an action are met.

While 能够 (nénggòu) is primarily a grammatical function word, its usage reflects certain cultural nuances, particularly around formality and assurance. In Chinese culture, clarity and the avoidance of ambiguity are often valued in formal settings like business, academia, or official communications. Using 能够 (nénggòu) instead of the more common 能 (néng) adds a layer of formality and seriousness. It conveys a sense of confirmed capability and reliability. For example, a company stating, “我们能够提供最好的服务” (We are able to provide the best service), sounds more professional and confident than the more casual “我们能…”. This can be compared to the difference between “can” and “to be able to” in English. While often interchangeable, “we are able to…” can sound more deliberate and formal, especially in written or professional contexts. The choice to use 能够 (nénggòu) signals that the speaker has fully considered the conditions and is making a firm statement about possibility or capacity.

• Formal Statements: It is frequently used in written documents, business proposals, news reports, and formal speeches to sound more official and authoritative.
• Emphasizing Overcoming Obstacles: 能够 (nénggòu) is perfect for situations where an ability was gained after effort or a change in circumstances. It highlights the transition from “could not” to “can now.”
• Expressing Potential: It is often used to encourage someone or express belief in their potential, adding a tone of gravity and sincerity. For example, “我相信你能够成功” (I believe you are capable of succeeding).
• Connotation: Its connotation is generally neutral to positive, as it focuses on capability and possibility. The negative form, 不能够 (bù nénggòu), is a strong and formal way to state inability.

• Example 1:
  • 经过努力，我们终于能够实现我们的梦想。
  • Pinyin: Jīngguò nǔlì, wǒmen zhōngyú nénggòu shíxiàn wǒmen de mèngxiǎng.
  • English: After hard work, we are finally able to realize our dreams.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of using 能够 to show that an ability was gained after overcoming difficulties (“hard work”).
• Example 2:
  • 医生说他很快就能够走路了。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng shuō tā hěn kuài jiù nénggòu zǒulù le.
  • English: The doctor said he will be able to walk again very soon.
  • Analysis: Here, 能够 refers to the recovery of a physical ability, implying a change from a state of inability.
• Example 3:
  • 你能够理解我的意思吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ nénggòu lǐjiě wǒ de yìsi ma?
  • English: Are you able to understand my meaning?
  • Analysis: In a question, 能够 sounds slightly more formal and serious than just 能. It asks about the capacity for comprehension.
• Example 4:
  • 这台新电脑能够同时处理多个任务。
  • Pinyin: Zhè tái xīn diànnǎo nénggòu tóngshí chǔlǐ duō ge rènwù.
  • English: This new computer is capable of processing multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes the inherent technical capability of an object, making 能够 a perfect fit.
• Example 5:
  • 我很感激能够有这个机会在这里工作。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ hěn gǎnjī nénggòu yǒu zhège jīhuì zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.
  • English: I am very grateful to be able to have this opportunity to work here.
  • Analysis: This is a common formal expression of gratitude, where 能够 emphasizes the possibility granted by the opportunity.
• Example 6:
  • 如果天气好的话，我们明天就能够去爬山。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ tiānqì hǎo de huà, wǒmen míngtiān jiù nénggòu qù páshān.
  • English: If the weather is good, we will be able to go hiking tomorrow.
  • Analysis: 能够 is used here to indicate that a certain condition (good weather) must be met for the action to be possible.
• Example 7:
  • 我不认为他能够完成这么难的工作。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ bù rènwéi tā nénggòu wánchéng zhème nán de gōngzuò.
  • English: I don't think he is capable of completing such a difficult job.
  • Analysis: The negative form, used within a “I don't think…” structure, expresses strong doubt about someone's ability.
• Example 8:
  • 只有通过合作，我们才能够解决这个问题。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyǒu tōngguò hézuò, wǒmen cái nénggòu jiějué zhège wèntí.
  • English: Only through cooperation can we solve this problem.
  • Analysis: The structure “只有…才能够…” (zhǐyǒu…cái nénggòu…) emphasizes that the action is possible exclusively under a specific condition.
• Example 9:
  • 现代科技使我们能够与世界各地的人交流。
  • Pinyin: Xiàndài kējì shǐ wǒmen nénggòu yǔ shìjiè gèdì de rén jiāoliú.
  • English: Modern technology enables us to communicate with people from all over the world.
  • Analysis: This shows how an external factor (technology) grants or creates an ability.
• Example 10:
  • 很高兴我能够帮助你。
  • Pinyin: Hěn gāoxìng wǒ nénggòu bāngzhù nǐ.
  • English: I'm very happy that I'm able to help you.
  • Analysis: A polite and slightly formal way to express happiness about being in a position to offer help.

The most common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing 能够 from 能 (néng), 会 (huì), and 可以 (kěyǐ).

• 能够 (nénggòu) vs. 能 (néng):
  • `能够` is often just a more formal, two-syllable version of `能`. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but `能够` adds emphasis or formality.
  • Use `能够` when you want to sound more professional or when talking about an ability that was achieved or is dependent on conditions. In casual conversation, `能` is almost always sufficient.
• 能够 (nénggòu) vs. 会 (huì):
  • `会 (huì)` is for learned skills. You learn how to swim, speak a language, or drive a car.
  • `能够 (nénggòu)` is for inherent ability or possibility given the circumstances.
  • Common Mistake: Saying “我能够说中文” (Wǒ nénggòu shuō Zhōngwén).
  • Why it's less ideal: It sounds like you're saying “I possess the physical capability to speak Chinese,” which is strange.
  • Correct Usage: “我会说中文” (Wǒ huì shuō Zhōngwén) - “I can (know how to) speak Chinese.”
• 能够 (nénggòu) vs. 可以 (kěyǐ):
  • `可以 (kěyǐ)` is primarily about permission or suggesting something is an acceptable option.
  • `能够 (nénggòu)` is about capability.
  • Common Mistake: Asking for permission with `能够`: “我能够用一下你的笔吗？” (Wǒ nénggòu yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?)
  • Why it's wrong: This sounds like you are asking, “Am I physically capable of using your pen?” which is not the intended meaning.
  • Correct Usage: “我可以用一下你的笔吗？” (Wǒ kěyǐ yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?) - “May I use your pen for a moment?”

• 能 (néng) - The shorter, more common, and less formal version of `能够`. Often interchangeable.
• 会 (huì) - A modal verb used for learned skills (e.g., swimming, speaking a language) and to indicate future probability (“will”).
• 可以 (kěyǐ) - A modal verb used primarily for asking for or granting permission (“may,” “can”).
• 能力 (nénglì) - The noun form of “ability” or “capability.” (e.g., 工作能力 - gōngzuò nénglì - work ability).
• 可能 (kěnéng) - An adjective or adverb meaning “possible” or “maybe.” It describes the likelihood of a situation, not a person's ability.
• 办得到 (bàn de dào) - A resultative complement meaning “[it] can be done” or “able to accomplish,” focusing on the successful outcome of an action.
• 做得到 (zuò de dào) - Similar to `办得到`, meaning “can do it” or “able to achieve it,” also emphasizing the result.
• 足够 (zúgòu) - An adjective meaning “enough” or “sufficient,” sharing the character `够` with `能够`.