能耐

néngnài

noun HSK 7-9 #7,432

Meanings

1 ability
2 capability
3 skill

Characters

to endure; capable

Examples

HSK 1

他有什么能耐？

Tā yǒu shénme néngnài?

What ability does he have?

HSK 2

你有能耐就自己去做。

Nǐ yǒu néngnài jiù zìjǐ qù zuò.

If you have the ability, go do it yourself.

Tips

usage

能耐 is colloquial and often carries a slightly challenging or dismissive tone, especially in questions like 你有什么能耐？ Compare with the neutral 能力 (ability).

Stroke Order

能 néng

耐 nài