能够 nénggòu to be capable of
to be capable of; to be able to; can
How to remember 能够: 能 able to + 够 enough = to be capable of.
Characters
How it is used
- More formal, written synonym of 能 (néng, can), placed before a verb to express capability.
- 我们能够解决这个问题 (wǒmen nénggòu jiějué zhège wèntí) - we are able to solve this problem.
- Unlike 能, which can stand alone as a one-word answer (能! / 不能!), 能够 needs a following verb and rarely appears by itself.
- Tends to describe capability built from ability or conditions coming together, giving it a slightly more deliberate, formal feel than plain 能.
Example sentences
- 她不能够见他。 Tā bù nénggòu jiàn tā.She wasn't able to meet him.
- 希望下次能够有效。 Xīwàng xiàcì nénggòu yǒuxiào.I hope it'll work next time.
- 能够出一份力太好了。 Nénggòu chū yīfèn lì tàihǎole.I'm glad I could help.