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 , 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
Related words
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.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (能) nou
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (能) nou:
Example Sentences - (能) nou
See below some example sentences:
Kenchiku wa utsukushisa to kinōsei no ryōhō o sonaeta geijutsu desu
Architecture is an art that combines beauty and functionality.
Architecture is an art with beauty and functionality.
- 建築 - construction, building
- 美しさ - beauty
- と - I'm sorry, but I need a text or string to translate from Portuguese to English. Please provide the content you'd like me to work on.
- 機能性 - functionality
- の - of
- 両方 - both, the two
- を - direct object
- 備えた - equipped, endowed
- 芸術 - art
- です - is
Kakugaku no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou
Take responsibility according to your individual abilities.
We are responsible for each skill.
- 各々 (kaku kaku) - Each one, individually
- の (no) - Possession particle
- 能力 (nouryoku) - Skill, capacity
- に (ni) - Target particle
- 応じて (oujite) - according to, in response to
- 責任 (sekinin) - responsibility
- を (wo) - direct object particle
- 負う (ou) - take over, carry
Kakuzi no nouryoku ni oite sekinin wo ou
Take responsibility according to your own abilities.
Take responsibility according to your abilities.
- 各自の (kakuji no) - Each one, individually
- 能力に応じて (nouryoku ni oujite) - according to ability
- 責任を負う (sekinin wo ou) - taking responsibility
Heiki wa sensou wo hikio kosu kanousei ga aru
Weapons have the potential to cause war.
- 兵器 - weapon
- は - Topic particle
- 戦争 - war
- を - direct object particle
- 引き起こす - cause
- 可能性 - possibility
- が - subject particle
- ある - exist
Fuketsu na hito wa kenkō ni aku eikyō o ataeru kanōsei ga arimasu
The dirty person can have a negative impact on health.
Dirty people may have a negative effect on health.
- 不潔な人 (fuketsu na hito) - dirty person
- は (wa) - Topic particle
- 健康 (kenkou) - health
- に (ni) - target particle
- 悪影響 (aku eikyou) - negative effect
- を (wo) - object particle
- 与える (ataeru) - cause
- 可能性 (kanousei) - possibility
- が (ga) - subject particle
- あります (arimasu) - exists
Kono ki no eda wa oreru kanōsei ga aru
This branch of the tree has the possibility of breaking.
The branches of this tree can break.
- この - demonstrative that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
- 木 - noun meaning "tree"
- の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "'s" in English
- 枝 - noun meaning "twig" or "branch"
- は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "é" or "são" in English
- 折れる - verb meaning "to break" or "to break"
- 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
- が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, equivalent to "o" or "a" in English
- ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"
Kono joyū wa totemo sainō ga aru
This actress has a lot of talent.
This actress is very talented.
- この - this
- 女優 - actress
- は - is
- とても - very
- 才能 - talent
- が - have
- ある - exist
Kono kikai no seino wa hijō ni takai desu
The performance of this machine is very high.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that indicates proximity, equivalent to "this" or "this"
- 機械 - noun meaning "machine"
- の - particle that indicates possession or relationship of belonging
- 性能 - noun meaning "performance" or "performance"
- は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence
- 非常に - adverb meaning "very" or "extremely"
- 高い - adjective that means "high" or "elevated"
- です - verb "to be" in the present affirmative
Kono garasu wa wareru kanōsei ga aru
This glass window has the possibility of breaking.
This glass can break.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- ガラス - noun that means "glass"
- は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this glass"
- 割れる - verb in the potential form that means "can break"
- 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
- が - subject particle that indicates that "the possibility of breaking" is the subject of the sentence
- ある - verb that means "exists"
Kono mondai wa juudai na eikyou wo ataeru kanousei ga aru
This issue has the potential to have a significant impact.
This issue can have a significant impact.
- この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
- 問題 - noun meaning "problem"
- は - topic particle that indicates that what follows is the subject of the sentence
- 重大な - adjective that means "serious" or "severe"
- 影響 - noun that means "influence" or "impact"
- を - object particle that indicates the target of the action
- 与える - verb meaning "to give" or "to grant"
- 可能性 - noun meaning "possibility"
- が - subject particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
- ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
