能干 nénggàn capable
capable; competent
How to remember 能干: 能 able to + 干 do = capable.
Characters
How it is used
- Capable and effective, a compliment - 她很能干 (tā hěn nénggàn) she's very capable / gets things done.
- Praises practical competence and drive, not just knowledge; often said of workers, subordinates, homemakers.
- Don't split it as 能 + 干 'able to work'; it's a fixed adjective.
Example sentences
- 你太能干了。 Nǐ tài nénggàn le.You're really something.
- 他是个能干的男人。 Tā shì gè nénggàn de nánrén.He's a man of ability.
- 他是聪明能干的人。 Tā shì cōngmíngnénggàn de rén.He was an intelligent and practical man.