Translation and Meaning of: 能 - nou

The Japanese word 能[のう] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and various applications in the language. If you are studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its usage and context can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore everything from its basic meaning to cultural aspects and practical tips for memorization.

In addition to being a common kanji, 能 is present in compound words and everyday expressions. Whether for those who want to enhance their vocabulary or discover how the Japanese perceive this word, here you will find valuable information. Let's start with the basics and then dive into more interesting details!

Meaning and usage of 能[のう]

The term 能[のう] can be translated as "ability," "capacity," or "talent." It is often used to describe someone's aptitude in performing a certain task. For example, the word 能力[のうりょく] means "capacity" or "competence," reinforcing this idea of potential.

In more specific contexts, 能 also appears in expressions such as 能ある鷹は爪を隠す [のうあるたかはつめをかくす], a proverb that means "a skilled hawk hides its claws." This saying reflects Japanese values such as humility and discretion, showing how the word is rooted in culture.

Origin and writing of the kanji 能

The kanji 能 is composed of two radicals: 厶 (a curved stroke symbolizing something private) and 月 (originally representing flesh, but here associated with strength). Together, they convey the idea of a personal skill or innate ability. This composition helps to understand why the character is linked to concepts of dexterity and potential.

It is worth noting that 能 is also used in Noh theater (能楽[のうがく]), a traditional form of Japanese performance. In this context, the word refers to the art and mastery of the actors, reinforcing its connection with excellence and mastery. This duality between everyday skill and artistic expression makes the term even more fascinating.

Tips for memorizing and using 能[のう]

An effective way to retain the meaning of 能 is to associate it with common compound words, such as 可能[かのう] ("possible") or 機能[きのう] ("function"). By learning these terms, you create mental connections that facilitate memorization. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as 彼は英語ができる[かれはえいごができる] ("He is skilled in English").

Interestingly, the kanji 能 doesn't have many alternative readings, which simplifies its learning. The most common pronunciation is のう, but in some cases, such as 能率[のうりつ] ("efficiency"), it retains the same reading. Focusing on these key words helps to internalize the term in a natural and lasting way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 才能 (sainō) - talent
• 能力 (nōryoku) - ability
• 能耐 (nōtai) - Capacity or resistance
• 能力者 (nōryokusha) - Skilled person
• 才能者 (sainōsha) - Talented person
• 能力持ち (nōryoku mochi) - Person who has skills
• 能力ある人 (nōryoku aru hito) - Skilled person
• 能力のある人 (nōryoku no aru hito) - Person who has skills
• 能力が高い人 (nōryoku ga takai hito) - Person with high abilities
• 能力が優れた人 (nōryoku ga sugureta hito) - Person with exceptional skills
• 能力が素晴らしい人 (nōryoku ga subarashii hito) - Person with wonderful skills
• 能力が傑出した人 (nōryoku ga ketsushutsu shita hito) - Person with remarkable skills
• 能力が卓越した人 (nōryoku ga takuetsu shita hito) - Person with superior skills
• 能力が秀でた人 (nōryoku ga hideta hito) - Person with outstanding skills
• 能力が抜群の人 (nōryoku ga batsugun no hito) - Person with exceptional skills
• 能力が非常に高い人 (nōryoku ga hijō ni takai hito) - Person with extremely high skills
• 能力が高い方 (nōryoku ga takai kata) - Skilled individual
• 能力が高い方々 (nōryoku ga takai katagata) - Skilled individuals

能

Romaji: nou
Kana: のう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: talent; gift; function; no kidding

Meaning in English: talent;gift;function;Noh play

Definition: work, perform.

Example Sentences - (能) nou

See below some example sentences:

本能に従って行動する。

Hon'nō ni shitagatte kōdō suru

Acting on instinct.

Act on instinct.

• 本能に - instinct
• 従って - follow
• 行動する - Act

Translation - Act following instinct.

過労は健康に悪影響を与える可能性がある。

Karō wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga aru

Overworking can have a negative impact on health.

• 過労 - excessive fatigue
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• に - target particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object particle
• 与える - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

膨脹した経済は持続可能ではない。

Bōchō shita keizai wa jizoku kanō de wa nai

An inflated economy is not sustainable.

The expanded economy is not sustainable.

• 膨脹した - The word that means "expanded" or "swollen".
• 経済 - The word that means "economy."
• は - Grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 持続可能 - composite word that means "sustainable" or "long-term viable".
• ではない - expression that means "it's not".

細菌は病気を引き起こす可能性があります。

Saikin wa byouki wo hikiokosu kanousei ga arimasu

Bacteria can cause disease.

Bacteria can cause disease.

• 細菌 (saikin) - bacteria
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 病気 (byouki) - disease
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 引き起こす (hikiokosu) - cause, provoke
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exist, have

獲物を追いかけるのは猟師の本能だ。

Kamimono wo oikakeru no wa ryoushi no honnou da

Chasing prey is the instinct of a hunter.

It is the hunter's instinct to stalk his prey.

• 獲物 (えもの) - prey
• を - object particle
• 追いかける (おいかける) - to chase
• のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 猟師 (りょうし) - Hunter
• の - Possession particle
• 本能 (ほんのう) - instinct
• だ (だ) - verb to be in the present

欠乏は健康に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Kekkou wa kenkou ni aku eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga arimasu

Lack can have a negative effect on health.

Laws can have a negative effect on your health.

• 欠乏 (Kekkaku) - lack, scarcity
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 健康 (kenkou) - health
• に (ni) - target particle
• 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect, negative impact
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 与える (ataeru) - Dar, fornecer
• 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - exist, have

改善することは常に可能です。

Kaizen suru koto wa tsune ni kanō desu

It is always possible to improve.

It is always possible to improve.

• 改善すること - Improve
• は - Topic particle
• 常に - Always
• 可能 - Possible
• です - Verb "to be" in the present

彼女は優れた才能が備わっている。

Kanojo wa sugureta sainou ga sonawatteiru

She has an exceptional talent.

She has excellent talent.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優れた - Great
• 才能 - talent
• が - subject particle
• 備わっている - be equipped with

彼女の日本語能力は高い程度だ。

Kanojo no nihongo nouryoku wa takai teido da

Your proficiency in the Japanese language is at a high level.

Your Japanese skill is high.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 日本語 (nihongo) - Japanese language
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 高い (takai) - High
• 程度 (teido) - Grade, level
• だ (da) - Informal form of the verb ser

彼は才能を発揮した。

Kare wa sainou o hakki shita

He showed his talent.

He was talented.

• 彼 - pronoun that means "he"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 才能 - noun meaning "talent"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 発揮 - "Verb" means "exhibit" or "demonstrate"
• した - The past form of the verb "する" (to do) is "did."