能耐 néngnai ability
ability; capability
How to remember 能耐: 能 able to + 耐 to resist = ability.
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How it is used
- Skill / ability, in a colloquial, sometimes challenging tone - 你有多大能耐? (nǐ yǒu duō dà néngnai?) just how capable are you?
- Note the neutral tone néngnai; earthier than 能力 (nénglì, ability), and can carry a teasing or provocative edge.
- Spoken register; 有能耐 = to have real chops.