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:

意識が高い人は成功する可能性が高いです。

Ishiki ga takai hito wa seikou suru kanousei ga takai desu

Highly conscious people will probably be successful.

• 意識が高い人 - Conscious people
• は - Topic particle
• 成功する - Success
• 可能性が高い - High probability
• です - Sentence-ending particle

放射能は環境に悪影響を与える可能性があります。

Hōshanō wa kankyō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu

Radioactivity can have an adverse effect on the environment.

• 放射能 - Radiation
• は - Topic marking particle
• 環境 - environment
• に - Destination marking particle
• 悪影響 - negative effect
• を - object marker particle
• 与える - cause
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject marking particle
• あります - exists

日本の経済が没落する可能性がある。

Nihon no keizai ga bottsuroku suru kanousei ga aru

The Japanese economy may fall.

• 日本 - Country name
• の - Possession particle
• 経済 - economy
• が - subject particle
• 没落する - decline, collapse
• 可能性 - possibility
• が - subject particle
• ある - verb "to exist"

本場の味を堪能しよう。

Honba no aji wo tanoshimiyou

Let's enjoy the authentic taste.

Let's enjoy the authentic taste.

• 本場 - It means "place of origin" or "authentic place".
• の - Particle that indicates possession or relationship.
• 味 - It means "flavor" or "taste."
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 堪能 - It means "enjoy fully" or "appreciate completely".
• しよう - Imperative form of the verb "suru" (to do) with the auxiliary "yoo" (let's do).

無能な人間はいない。

Munou na ningen wa inai

There is no human being without skills.

There is no incompetent person.

• 無能な - without skill, unable
• 人間 - Human being
• は - Topic particle
• いない - does not exist

無限の可能性がある。

Mugen no kanōsei ga aru

There is an infinite possibility.

• 無限 - means "infinite" in Japanese.
• の - It is a possessive particle in Japanese, equivalent to "de" in English.
• 可能性 - means "possibility" in Japanese.
• が - It is a subject particle in Japanese, equivalent to "is" in English.
• ある - means "to exist" in Japanese.
• . - period, indicating the end of the sentence.

特殊な能力を持っている。

Tokushu na nouryoku wo motte iru

I have a special ability.

It has a special ability.

• 特殊な - It means "special" or "unique."
• 能力 - means "skill" or "ability".
• を - particle that marks the direct object of the sentence.
• 持っている - It means "to have" or "to possess". It is the verb of the sentence.

私の能力はまだまだです。

Watashi no nōryoku wa mada mada desu

My skill is still far off.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 能力 - noun that means "skill" or "ability"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "skill"
• まだまだ - expression that means "not enough yet" or "still a long way to go"
• です - the verb "to be" in the polite and formal form

私はあなたの才能を存じています。

Watashi wa anata no sainou wo zonjiteimasu

I recognize your talent.

I know your talent.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• あなた - personal pronoun meaning "you"
• の - possessive particle indicating that "才能" (talent) belongs to "あなた" (you)
• 才能 - noun meaning "talent"
• を - object particle indicating that "才能" (talent) is the direct object of the sentence
• 存じています - verb that means "to know", conjugated in the present affirmative tense and with a tone of respect

空想は現実になる可能性がある。

Kuusou wa genjitsu ni naru kanousei ga aru

Fantasy can be a reality.

• 空想 (kuusou) - it means "fantasy" or "imagination"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 現実 (genjitsu) - means "reality"
• に (ni) - Grammatical marker that indicates the location or target of the action
• なる (naru) - verb meaning "to become"
• 可能性 (kanousei) - It means "possibility".
• が (ga) - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• ある (aru) - Verb that means "to exist"