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:

各々の能力を最大限に活かすことが大切です。

Kakugaku no nouryoku wo saikougen ni ikasu koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to maximize each individual's abilities.

It is important to make the most of each skill.

• 各々 (kaku kaku) - Each one, individually
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 最大限 (saidagen) - to the maximum, at the maximum
• に (ni) - target particle
• 活かす (ikasu) - take advantage of, use
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大切 (taisetsu) - important, valuable
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

増大する可能性があります。

Zoudai suru kanousei ga arimasu

There is a possibility of increase.

It can increase.

• 増大する - increase
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• あります - verb "to be" in the present affirmative

宇宙は無限の可能性を秘めている。

Uchuu wa mugen no kanousei wo himete iru

The universe has endless possibilities.

• 宇宙 - Universe
• は - Topic particle
• 無限 - infinite
• の - Possessive particle
• 可能性 - possibility
• を - Direct object particle
• 秘めている - Hide, contain

彼は自分の能力を強めるために毎日練習している。

Kare wa jibun no nouryoku o tsuyomeru tame ni mainichi renshuu shite iru

He practices every day to strengthen his skills.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "he".
• 自分 - Japanese pronoun meaning "oneself"
• の - Japanese particle indicating possession, in this case "your"
• 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case "skill"
• 強める - Japanese verb meaning "to strengthen" or "to increase"
• ために - Japanese expression meaning "for" or "with the aim of"
• 毎日 - Japanese adverb meaning "every day"
• 練習 - Japanese noun meaning "training" or "practice"
• している - continuous form of the Japanese verb "する", which means "to do"

彼は国を治める能力がある。

Kare wa kuni o osameru nouryoku ga aru

He has the ability to rule a country.

He has the ability to rule the country.

• 彼 - The Japanese pronoun that means "he" is 彼 (かれ, kare).
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 国 - Japanese noun that means "country"
• を - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 治める - Japanese verb that means "to govern."
• 能力 - Japanese noun meaning "skill" or "ability"
• が - Japanese particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある - Japanese verb that means "to exist"
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

彼の能力は私を超す。

Kare no nouryoku wa watashi wo kosu

His skill exceeds mine.

Your skill is super.

• 彼の - his
• 能力 - "habilidade, capacidade" = "skill, ability"
• は - Topic particle
• 私を - personal pronoun "I" + direct object particle
• 超す - verb "to exceed, to surpass"

彼女は才能に溢れている。

Kanojo wa sainou ni afurete iru

She overflows with talent.

She is full of talent.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 才能 (sainou) - talent
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination or target
• 溢れている (afureteiru) - overflowing, full of

彼女は自分の能力に傲っている。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku ni ogorotte iru

She is proud of her abilities.

She is arrogant in her abilities.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 自分 (jibun) - Yourself
• の (no) - Particle that indicates possession
• 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or destination
• 傲っている (hokotteiru) - be proud, arrogant

彼女は優れる能力を持っています。

Kanojo wa sugureru nouryoku wo motteimasu

She has excellent skills.

She has excellent ability.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 優れる - be excellent
• 能力 - Skill, capacity
• を - direct object particle
• 持っています - Land, possess

彼女は自分の能力を現すことができた。

Kanojo wa jibun no nouryoku wo arawasu koto ga dekita

She was able to show her skills.

• 彼女 - she
• は - Topic particle
• 自分 - yourself
• の - Possessive particle
• 能力 - Skill, capacity
• を - direct object particle
• 現す - show, demonstrate
• こと - verb noun
• が - subject particle
• できた - be able to, achieve