本领 běnlǐng skill
skill; ability; capability
How to remember 本领: 本 source + 领 neck = skill.
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How it is used
- A practical skill or ability one possesses - 他很有本领 (tā hěn yǒu běnlǐng) he's very capable; 学本领 (xué běnlǐng) learn a skill.
- Near-synonym 能力 (nénglì) is broader/more abstract 'ability'; 本领 stresses a concrete, hard-won knack or prowess, often admiring in tone.
- Also 本事 (běnshi) is the colloquial twin - 有本事 sounds tougher/streetwise.