能力
nōryoku[no̞ːɾʲo̞kɯ̟]
In Japanese, ability can be expressed as 能力 (nōryoku) or 才能.
Meaning: a skill or competence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 能力 | nōryoku | [no̞ːɾʲo̞kɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 才能 | sainō | [sa̠ino̞ː] (narrow) |
能力 refers to acquired skills, competence or the capacity to perform a task, often through training or effort. To say that someone possesses a certain skill or competence, you can use the phrase 能力がある. In a professional context, the term 能力不足 is used to describe a lack of competence or insufficient ability. Other formal terms include 力量, which emphasizes one's capacity and capability and 技能, which specifically refers to the ability or skill in performing a particular task or job.
Which one should you use?
能力 refers to competence, capacity or acquired skills. In contrast, 才能 refers specifically to innate talent or a natural gift that one is born with.
How do you pronounce it?
nōryoku
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, especially in manga and anime, 能力 is often used as a shorthand for 'superpowers'. Characters with supernatural abilities are frequently referred to as 能力者, which literally means 'ability possessor'.
- In some contexts, expressing one's 'ability' too strongly in Japanese can be seen as arrogance, whereas in English, it is often a requirement for self-promotion.
- While English uses 'talent' for innate gifts, the Japanese word 才能 is often used in media to describe a 'star quality' or a specific charisma that attracts an audience.
Examples in context
- 彼は才能のある人だ。He is a man of ability.This sentence is useful for describing a person using 才能.Tatoeba #1273301 by bunbuku, translation #299247 by CC
- 給料は君の能力次第だ。You will be paid according to your ability.This sentence is useful for discussing pay based on 能力.Tatoeba #182349 by KK_kaku_, translation #19526 by CK
- 彼の英語の能力は平均以上だ。His ability in English is above average.This sentence is useful for describing English language skills using 能力.Tatoeba #118107 by tommy__san, translation #285557 by CK
- 私は優れた能力を持っていますI have exceptional ability.
- 彼は高い力量を持っていますHe has great ability.
- 料理の技能が高いですI have good ability in cooking.
- 彼女は音楽の才能があるShe has musical ability.
- プログラミング能力Programming ability
- 彼は高い能力を持っています。He has high ability.
- 彼女は英語の才能がある。She has a talent for English.
- 私は歌唱力があります。I have singing ability.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a job advertisement.
- 結衣 Yuiこの仕事は高い能力が求められますね。Kono shigoto wa takai nouryoku ga motomeraremasu ne.This job requires high ability, doesn't it?
- 陽太 Yota自分にその能力があるか不安です。Jibun ni sono nouryoku ga aru ka fuan desu.I'm worried about whether I have that ability.
- 結衣 Yui陽太さんは十分な能力を持っていると思いますよ。Yota-san wa juubun na nouryoku o motte iru to omoimasu yo.I think you have enough ability, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、結衣さん。自信を持ってみます。Arigato, Yui-san. Jishin o motte mimasu.Thanks, Yui. I'll try to have confidence.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ability” translations and entries 能力, 才能, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
