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能(néng) — meaning, uses and examples

1. modal verb can; to be able to (ability)

   他能说三种语言。

   Tā néng shuō sān zhǒng yǔyán.

   He can speak three languages.

2. modal verb (of objective conditions) can; to permit or prevent

   我今天生病了，不能去上班。

   Wǒ jīntiān shēngbìng le, bù néng qù shàngbān.

   I am sick today, so I cannot go to work.

3. modal verb may (permission, interchangeable with 可以)

   我能进来吗？

   Wǒ néng jìnlái ma?

   May I come in?

4. modal verb how could (rhetorical reproach or disbelief)

   你怎么能这样说话呢？

   Nǐ zěnme néng zhèyàng shuōhuà ne?

   How could you speak like that?

5. noun ability; talent

   有能力的人才能生存。

   Yǒu nénglì de rén cái néng shēngcún.

   Only capable people can survive.

6. noun energy (太阳能, 核能)

   太阳能是清洁能源。

   Tàiyángnéng shì qīngjié néngyuán.

   Solar energy is a clean energy source.