能量
néngliàng
The English word energy is translated into Chinese as 能量 (néngliàng).
能量 refers to the capacity to do work. It is used for both physical energy, such as in the contexts of physics or biology and metaphorical energy, such as mental or spiritual energy.
Meaning: capacity to do work (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 能量 is composed of 能, meaning 'ability/can' and 量, meaning 'quantity/amount'.
Which one should you use?
While 能量 refers to physical or abstract energy, 精力 is used specifically to describe a person's mental or physical stamina or vigor.
How do you pronounce it?
néngliàng
Did you know?
- In certain contexts of traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of 'energy' or 'life force' is referred to as 气, which is a much older and more philosophical concept than the modern 能量.
- In modern internet slang, people use 正能量 'zhèng néngliàng' literally meaning 'positive energy' to describe optimistic attitudes or uplifting news.
- While 能量 is the scientific term for energy, the word for 'potential energy' in physics is 势能, using a character that also means 'power' or 'influence'.
Examples in context
- 還要花能量砍掉。It still costs energy to chop it off.This sentence shows the use of 能量 regarding the cost of an action.Tatoeba #13111770 by LeviHighway, translation #13537440 by LeviHighway
- 細胞具有將食物轉化為能量的能力。The cells have the capacity to convert food into energy.This sentence illustrates the biological use of 能量 in converting food.Tatoeba #13753049 by LeviHighway, translation #2818118 by mervert1
- 熱是一種能量。Heat is a form of energy.This sentence provides a scientific definition of heat as a type of 能量.Tatoeba #343113 by nickyeow, translation #282114 by Eldad
- 运动可以增加身体的活力。Exercise can increase one's vitality.
- 快拿出全部的力气！Put all your strength into it!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a science project.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太陽能板可以收集能量。Tàiyángnéng bǎn kěyǐ shōují néngliàng.Solar panels can collect energy.
- 浩然 Haoran然後把它存成電能嗎？Ránhòu bǎ tā cún chéng diànnéng ma?And then store it as electrical energy?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen對，這就是能量轉化的過程。Duì, zhè jiùshì néngliàng zhuǎnhuà de guòchéng.Yes, that is the process of energy conversion.
- 浩然 Haoran這個理論很有趣。Zhège lǐlùn hěn yǒuqù.This theory is very interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “energy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
