The character 能 — “can”: how to write it and what it means
can, be able
The Chinese character 能 is read néng and means “can, be able”. Below: the stroke order step by step, what the character is made of and the words it appears in.
Stroke order: how to write 能
能 has 10 strokes. At each step the new stroke is highlighted — write them in the same order: top to bottom and left to right, horizontal before vertical, a frame before what is inside it, and the bottom stroke of the frame last.
To train your hand, print a handwriting sheet for 能, with strokes to trace and empty squares.
Words with 能
- 可能maybe, possiblyHSK 2
- 只能can only; have no choice butHSK 3
- 能力abilityHSK 4
- 能否whether one canHSK 4
- 能够be able toHSK 4
- 能干capable, competentHSK 5
- 技能skillHSK 5
- 功能functionHSK 5
- 智能intelligence; smart (of devices)HSK 5
- 本能instinct; instinctivelyHSK 6
- 才能ability, talentHSK 6
- 能源energy resourcesHSK 6
- 节能save energyHSK 6
- 性能performance, properties (tech.)HSK 6
- 能量energy (phys.)HSK 6
- 新能源new energy sourcesHSK 6
Frequently asked questions
How do you write the character 能?
能 has 10 strokes. They follow the usual rules: top to bottom, left to right, horizontal before vertical, outside before inside. The order of each stroke is shown on this page.
What does 能 mean?
能 means “can, be able”. It appears in 可能 (“maybe”), 只能 (“can only”), 能力 (“ability”), 能否 (“whether one can”).
How do you pronounce 能?
能 is read néng. The tone is part of the reading: with another melody it becomes another syllable.
How many strokes does 能 have?
10 strokes.
More characters on the page “Chinese characters with meanings” and in the list of HSK characters by level; whole words are in the dictionary.
Write 能 yourself
In the lessons you write characters stroke by stroke with a finger or a mouse, and the course checks the order. You can start for free, no sign-up needed.
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